Background/aims: An increasing number of imported non-endemic arthropod-borne diseases and other rare parasitic diseases in dogs in Austria were the basics for this report. Number and species of imported pathogens as well as the origin of the carrying dogs were of special interest.
Methods: Symptomatic dogs that have been in a foreign country before were included to the study. 174 dogs, presented at the Veterinary University of Vienna, were analysed for their origin or stay in a foreign country (n = 26) and type of infection. The age and breed distribution was recorded. Dogs were tested for leishmaniosis, ehrlichiosis, filariosis and infection by Rickettsia conorii.
Results: Overall infection rate was 47% in the tested dogs. Mixed infections were diagnosed in 10% of dogs included. Infestation by Cordylobia anthropophaga and Pentastomida was documented.
Conclusions: The introduction of non-endemic pathogens, and sometimes their vectors, by dogs is documented in Austrian dogs. Direct transmission from dogs to humans is very unlikely and most of the vectors (Phlebotomus spp.) are not native in Austria. A future risk may arise from an increasing number of imported dogs, carrying these vectors that may be host to various pathogens, to areas still free of those pathogens. A further problem is the probability, that these vectors may become native when climate conditions are going to be favourable to them.