Arthropod-Borne Pathogens in Wild Canids

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Wild canids are largely exposed to ticks and other hematophagous vectors that can transmit numerous bacterial and protozoal pathogens. In the last years, also because of climatic changes, the incidence of arthropod-borne diseases has notably increased becoming a serious threat for humans and animals. Main information about these infections concerns domestic and companion animals, whereas data about their spread among wild canids and their impact on health status of these animals are not exhaustive. Otherwise, studies about bacterial and protozoal arthropod-borne infections in wild canids are important to better understand the risk of infections for dogs and humans. ABSTRACT: Wild canids, as well as other wild animal species, are largely exposed to bites by ticks and other hematophagous vectors where the features favoring their presence and spread are found in wooded and semi-wooded areas. Much of the information about arthropod-borne infections concerns domestic and companion animals, whereas data about these infections in wild canids are not exhaustive. The present study is a narrative review of the literature concerning vector-borne infections in wild canids, highlighting their role in the epidemiology of arthropod-borne bacteria and protozoa.