Dog owners in New Zealand are being advised not to worry, despite a dog in Canterbury dying from a new parasite. Biosecurity New Zealand confirmed that this is the first time the disease, known as babesiosis, has been found in a dog in the country. The disease is caused by a parasite called Babesia gibsoni, which is carried by ticks.
Dr Mary van Andel, a spokesperson for Biosecurity NZ, said that an investigation is ongoing and a monitoring system is in place. She explained that when a dog is taken to the vet, its blood is tested for various diseases, including exotic ones. So far, no other cases of this disease have been found.
The dog that died was put down at the owner’s request because it was very sick. There are no known connections to cases abroad. Dr van Andel advises dog owners to ensure their pets’ flea and tick treatments are current.
According to Biosecurity NZ’s website, babesiosis can be a chronic and mild disease, but in some cases, it can be acute and severe. Symptoms of chronic babesiosis include occasional fever, tiredness, and weight loss, while acute babesiosis is marked by fever, lethargy, and anemia.
The Babesia gibsoni parasite can be transmitted by ticks found in New Zealand, such as the cattle tick and the brown dog tick, as well as through dog bites. It’s hard to get rid of, with infected dogs often remaining carriers. The breeds most commonly affected are pit bull terriers, Staffordshire bull terriers, and greyhounds.
If vets or owners think they have found an infected dog, they should contact Biosecurity NZ at 0800 80 99 66.
