CANINE BABESIOSIS (BABESIA-CANIS)

Canine babesiasis, caused by Babesia canis, is a haemoprotozoal infect ion often seen in France. Its common geographical distribution is link ed to that of its principal vector Dermacentor reticulatus. However, t he proliferation of a second vector Rhipicephalus sanguineus, associat ed with houses and groups of dogs, has caused the area affected by thi s disease and the period of risk during the year to be increased, thus creating worrying loci of urban infection. The main aspects concernin g the biology of the parasite, clinical and immunopathological studies , diagnostic methods and the means by which to fight the disease (incl uding immunization) are discussed.