The epidemiology of tick infestation in dog breeds in the UK

O'Neill, Daniel; Komutrattananon, R; Hartley, AN; Brodbelt, DC; Church, DB

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to report the prevalence and risk factors for tick infestation in
dogs in the UK based on anonymised electronic patient records.
Materials and Methods: Clinical records of dogs under veterinary care in 2016 at clinics participating
in the VetCompass Programme were followed over a 5-year
period to identify cases of tick infestation.
Risk factor analysis used multivariable logistic regression modelling.
Results: The study included 905,553 dogs. From a random sample, 1903 tick infestation cases were
identified. The estimated 5-year
(2014 to 2018) period prevalence was 2.03% (95% confidence interval:
2.00 to 2.06). Sixteen breeds showed increased odds compared with non-designer-
crossbreed
dogs. Breeds with the highest odds included Cairn terrier (odds ratio 2.86, 95% confidence interval
1.64 to 4.98), standard poodle (odds ratio 2.80, 95% confidence interval 1.25 to 6.29) and Goldendoodle
(odds ratio 2.63, 95% confidence interval 1.17 to 5.91). Six breeds showed reduced odds,
with lowest odds shown by Staffordshire bull terrier (odds ratio 0.35, 95% confidence interval 0.25 to
0.50), Rottweiler (odds ratio 0.35, 95% confidence interval 0.15 to 0.85) and Chihuahua (odds ratio
0.38, 95% confidence interval 0.26 to 0.55). Males had 1.24 (95% confidence interval 1.13 to 1.36)
times the odds of females. Compared with non-designer-
crossbred
dogs, designer-crossbreed
dogs had
increased odds (odds ratio 1.81, 95% confidence interval 1.52 to 2.15). Compared with breeds with
short coats, breeds with medium length coats (odds ratio 2.20, 95% confidence interval 1.96 to 2.48)
showed increased odds. Breeds with V-shaped
drop and pendulous ear carriage had higher odds compared
with breeds with erect ear carriage.
Clinical Significance: These findings provide an evidence base for veterinary professionals to raise
awareness of tick infestation as a preventable disorder in dogs in the UK and to support more effective
prevention and therapeutic protocols based on targeted approaches.

Citation

O'Neill, D., Komutrattananon, R., Hartley, A., Brodbelt, D., & Church, D. (2024). The epidemiology of tick infestation in dog breeds in the UK. Herpetological Conservation and Biology, https://doi.org/10.1111/jsap.13727

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Feb 14, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Apr 24, 2024
• Publication Date: Apr 24, 2024
• Deposit Date: Apr 24, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Apr 24, 2024
• Journal: Journal of Small Animal Practice
• Publisher: Herpetological Conservation and Biology
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/jsap.13727
• Keywords: SURVEILLANCE; DISEASES; ANIMALS
• Publisher URL: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jsap.13727