Spatial and risk factor analyses of vector-borne pathogens among shelter dogs in Lithuania

Abstract

Introduction. Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) are a growing health concern in canine populations across Europe, including Lithuania. Shelter dogs, often lacking known health and travel histories, may act as sentinels for local pathogen circulation [1, 2]. This study aims to assess the prevalence and spatial distribution of selected VBDs in shelter dogs in Lithuania and examine associated clinical and hematological findings. Methods. Blood samples (n = 91) were collected from clinically healthy shelter dogs across various regions of Lithuania. All samples will be screened for Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., Borrelia burgdorferi, and Dirofilaria immitis using the IDEXX SNAP 4Dx Plus Test. Each dog will undergo a complete clinical examination and complete blood count (CBC) analysis. Molecular techniques, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR), will confirm and identify pathogens at the species level. Expected Results. It is expected that both serological and molecular testing will reveal infections with vector-borne pathogens such as Anaplasma spp. and Borrelia burgdorferi among clinically healthy shelter dogs. This will help identify asymptomatic carriers and assess the potential for disease transmission. The study also aims to outline the current epidemiological situation and highlight potential regional hotspots of infection. Conclusion. This study combines clinical, molecular, and spatial data to improve the understanding of canine VBD epidemiology in Lithuania. Findings will support the development of targeted surveillance and prevention strategies. Moreover, evaluating environmental and demographic factors will help identify the conditions facilitating pathogen spread, contributing to more effective public and animal health risk assessments.