Angiostrongylus vasorum in Estonia: Multi-center study in dogs with clinical signs suggestive of canine angiostrongylosis, survey of potential risk behaviors among the dogs, and questionnaire survey of knowledge about the parasite among veterinarians

Abstract

Angiostrongylus vasorum is a parasite that can cause life-threatening disease in dogs. In recent years, A. vasorum has been reported spreading into new areas, in particular towards northeastern Europe. Despite being detected in wildlife in Estonia, no studies have focused on A. vasorum in domestic dogs in the country. We conducted a multi-center study in 2018-2019: at eight small animal clinics, altogether 115 dogs that had clinical signs that could be suggestive of canine angiostrongylosis were enrolled for testing using a commercial A. vasorum antigen detection test. In addition, we collected information on potential risk behaviors for acquiring A. vasorum infection - eating potential intermediate hosts and paratenic hosts - among the dogs, using a questionnaire for dog owners. Moreover, we surveyed knowledge about A. vasorum among veterinarians authorized to work in Estonia. None (0.0%, 95% confidence interval 0.0-2.6) of the 114 dogs included in the study tested A. vasorum antigen positive. Two (2.0%) of the 102 dogs included in the risk behavior analysis had been seen to eat slugs and/or snails, and this behavior was considered possible for further 17 (16.7%) of the dogs. Four (3.9%) of the dogs had been seen to eat frogs, and this behavior was considered possible for further 14 (13.7%) of the dogs. Thirty-eight (90.5%) of the 42 veterinarians who participated in the questionnaire survey selected the correct host and 28 (66.7%) selected the correct vectors of the parasite, from the provided options. Our results indicate that A. vasorum was either not established or not common in dogs in Estonia in 2018-2019, but this needs to be interpreted with caution due to the limited sample size, possible false negative results in recently infected dogs and the limited sensitivity of the test applied. Most local veterinarians seemed to know the parasite, and this awareness and knowledge among veterinarians should be maintained and further improved. Taken the presence of the parasite in local wildlife, it is prudent to include A. vasorum infection in the list of differential diagnoses for dogs with clinical signs that could be suggestive of canine angiostrongylosis in Estonia.

Keywords: Antigen detection test; Canine angiostrongylosis; Dog; Estonia; Survey; Veterinarian.