By Vet Graham Lewis
Rescuing pets from abroad and taking pets on holiday has become more common. However, there is a potential risk of importing diseases not previously widespread in the UK, some of which can be a risk to people as well as pets.
Brucellosis - imported animal
Brucellosis is a bacterial infection affecting both dogs and cats. It can cause infertility and miscarriages. Testing is recommended before breeding and for pets imported from areas where the disease is endemic. Brucellosis can be transmitted to humans from pets so thorough testing and preventive measures are crucial. It is a notifiable disease in the UK. It can stay dormant for several months, so retesting pets 3-12 months after arrival in the UK if coming from an endemic area is something we have implemented as a practice to minimise the risk to our staff and clients.
Anaplasmosis - travel and imported animals
Anaplasmosis is a tick-borne disease affecting both dogs and cats. Symptoms include fever, lethargy, and joint pains. Pets that have travelled from regions with prevalent tick activity should be tested. Humans can also catch this disease if you are bitten by a tick while visiting an area where it is prevalent. Using pet tick medications whilst travelling is recommended.
Babesia - travel and imported animals
Babesia is caused by protozoan parasites transmitted by ticks. It primarily affects dogs, causing anaemia, fever, and jaundice. Testing should be conducted for pets arriving from areas known for high tick activity. It can be transmitted to humans through tick bites in areas where it is prevalent. Tick medications for your pet while travelling are recommended.
Ehrlichia - travel and imported animals
Ehrlichiosis is another tick-borne disease affecting dogs and occasionally cats. Symptoms include fever, weight loss, and bleeding disorders. Testing is advised for pets imported from or travelling to regions where it is prevalent. Again, humans can catch this disease if bitten by a tick while visiting an area where it is prevalent. Tick medications while travelling are vital.
Leishmaniasis - travel and imported animals
This is caused by Leishmania parasites, transmitted through sandfly bites, primarily affecting dogs. Symptoms include skin lesions, weight loss, and organ damage and it often requires lifelong treatment. Pets from endemic areas should be tested upon entry into the UK. It has significant zoonotic potential, as it can be transmitted to humans through sandfly bites, especially in sandfly hotspots like beaches, particularly at dawn and dusk. Avoid travel to high-risk areas and use effective insect repellents. There is a vaccine available for dogs. This condition can remain dormant for years.