Rhipicephaus Sanguineus Essay

Rhipicephalus Sanguineus also known as the brown dog tick have a world-wide distribution, and can be found throughout the United States, although they are encountered more frequently in the southern states. They occur predominately in and around human settlements and infest homes, animal pens, and dog kennels, often causing high levels of infestation both on dogs and in homes. All life stages of this tick can transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever rickettsia to dogs, and rarely to humans. Both nymphal and adult stages can transmit the agents of canine ehrlichiosis and canine babesiosis to dogs. In the U.S., the brown dog tick prefers to feed on dogs in all stages. However, it will feed on other mammals, including domestic animals such as felines and humans. This is most likely to occur if it cannot find a dog nearby. High levels of infestation can cause skin irritation
sanguineus is a vector of disease in dogs; canine ehrlichiosis and canine babesia. In dogs, symptoms of canine ehrlichiosis include lameness and fever; those for babesiosis include fever, anorexia and anemia. In parts of Europe, Asia and Africa R. sanguineus is a vector of Rickettsia conorii, known locally as Mediterranean spotted fever, boutonneuse fever, or tick typhus. Rhipicephalus sanguineus has not been shown to transmit the bacterium which causes Lyme disease. The best management strategy is prevention of infestations in the house or kennel. Preventing engorgement of the ticks on dogs is critical to management of the tick and the well-being of the dog. Treatments with fipronil which comes in sprays and spot-ons, amitraz often found in flea and tick collars, permethrin usually found in sprays and shampoos, and deltamethrin found in shampoos have been reported as effective. Regular treatment will minimize the chances of a dog picking up a tick and the tick successfully feeding. Once an infestation has started, thorough treatment of the dogs is critical and may need to be repeated several