Import of parasites by tourism and animal trading.

International transport of animals is associated with an enhanced risk of i mport of a number of parasite species that are not endemic in Germany. Pets accompany tourists on journeys all over the world, but in particular to so uthern Europe, and dogs are increasingly imported from (sub-)tropical count ries for reasons of animal welfare. Veterinary practitioners are thus confr onted with parasites that are unusual in their patients. The specific trans mission routes determine whether an imported parasite is able to become end emic. Although parasites eradicated in Germany such as Trypanosoma equiperd um and Tritrichomonas foetus may be principally imported they are unlikely to re-establish due to the current epidemiological conditions. Imported ani mals that harbour parasites which may occur naturally but are currently rar e in Germany are a potential source of increased infection risk. Certain ar eas in Germany have probably become endemic for Babesia canis and the respe ctive vector tick Dermacentor reticulatus has been found. Whether other vec tor borne parasitic diseases such as leishmaniosis or heartworm disease hav e the potential to spread into Germany is still a matter of debate.