Serological survey of vector-borne pathogens in stray dogs from Sofia area, Bulgaria

Vector-borne diseases represent a significant part of canine infectious pathology posing serious zoonotic potential. Stray dogs are found to be an important health and ecological factor in urban areas. The objectives of the present study were to update the current knowledge on the seroprevalence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum/Anaplasma platys, Ehrlichia canis, Borrelia burgdorferi and Dirofilaria immitis in stray dogs from Sofia, Bulgaria. A total of 448 apparently healthy and randomly selected dogs were tested with Anigen Rapid CaniV-4 Test Kit. Overall 28.57% (128/448) of all tested animals were positive for one or more of the pathogenic species. Total percentage was distributed as follows (single plus mix infections): Anaplasma spp. - 16.29% (73/448), D. immitis - 13.39% (60/448), Ehrlichia spp. - 1.34% (6/448) and B.burgdorferi - 0.67% (3/448). The current study demonstrated the circulation of Anaplasma spp. and D. immitis among stray dogs in Sofia, Bulgaria.