Canine babesiosis: A Brazilian perspective

Canine babesiosis is highly endemic in Brazil, caused by Babesia canis and Babesia gibsoni, both transmitted by Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks. The present review argues for a more adequate method of characterizing the Babesia species infecting dogs and cats in different Brazilian endemic zones. It advocates for a comprehensive understanding of the biology of R. sanguineus ticks under Brazilian conditions in order to define the more effective preventive strategies against canine babesiosis and calls for partnerships between the public and private sectors for research on canine babesiosis and other vector-borne diseases in Brazil.