Tick-borne encephalitis virus in dogs: clinical relevance and implications for veterinary practice in endemic regions

Abstract

Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is a major zoonotic pathogen in Europe, yet its impact on canine health remains underrecognised in clinical veterinary practice. In a recent large-scale study in Lithuania, one of the most highly endemic countries for TBE, we examined serum samples from 473 dogs collected in two Lithuanian veterinary clinics. Using ELISA for serology and RT-PCR targeting the NCR5 region for viral RNA detection, we found that 21.6% (CI 95% 17.9–25.6) of dogs carried TBEV-specific antibodies, while 18.6% (CI 95% 15.2–22.4) were PCR-positive. Neurological signs were observed in 31.8% of PCR-positive animals, with a case fatality/euthanasia rate of 18.2%. Male dogs were more likely to develop neurological manifestations, and older age, neurological signs, and the presence of antibodies were significantly associated with poor outcomes. Infectious virus was successfully propagated in cell culture from PCR-positive sera, confirming active infection. These findings highlight that TBEV should be considered an important differential diagnosis in dogs presenting with acute neurological disease in endemic areas. Awareness and early diagnostic testing are essential for veterinarians to improve case outcomes and to better understand the epidemiology of this canine pathogen.