There’s a lot of discussion about how climate change could increase the spread of disease. But most of it focuses on how this will have an impact on humans.
Humans, however, aren’t the only ones affected by climate change. New research across Europe is finding that increasing temperatures are exposing pets to new infectious diseases spread by ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes. Ticks in particular are on the increase, with milder winters allowing for them to stay active all year long.
Just a few of the diseases cropping up thanks to global warming:
Canine babesiosis, a malaria-like disease transmitted by the European dog tick, is being found in Belgium, Germany, Poland and the Netherlands – countries where it was once very rare.
The Ixodes tick that can pass tick-borne encephalitis to horses and dogs is also more prevalent and colonizing in greater densities throughout Europe.
Roundworm dirofilaria, spread by mosquitoes, is increasing in dogs in Central Italy as hotter summer temperatures allow the parasite to incubate easily in its fly host.
Cat flea typhus and canine leishmaniosis are also on the rise.
Almost makes you want to grab your pet and move to a colder climate.
Image: Big Tall Guy