Risk factors for the presence of antibodies against Anaplasma spp. in dogs in Poznań

The aim of the study was to identify the incidence of antibodies against Anaplasma spp. in dogs living in Poznań. Canine anaplasmosis is a tick-borne dog disease caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum or A. platys infection. To identify the prevalence of antibodies against Anaplasma spp. in dogs, we analyzed blood samples collected from 349 client-owned dogs living in Poznań (Poland). Using an immunochromatographic rapid test (Caniv-4, VetExpert, Poland), antibodies against Anaplasma spp. were detected in 32 (9.2%) dogs aged over two years. Sex, hair length, and location (region of Poznań) were not identified as statistically significant risk factors for the presence of antibodies against Anaplasma spp. The odds ratio for antibodies against Anaplasma spp. in large breed dogs vs small breed dogs was 3.76. The results of the study suggest a growing presence of Anaplasma spp. in dogs living in big cities in Poland.