Identification of potential wildlife reservoir hosts and vector ticks for Babesia gibsoni in Taiwan

Abstract

In Taiwan B. gibsoni has been identified as the predominant pathogen causing canine babesiosis in dogs. In this research, it was investigated whether the reservoir for B.gibsoni can be found amongst Taiwanese wildlife, such as ferret badgers (Melogale moschata) and the masked palm civet (Paguma larvata). For this purpose, wild animals were caught using box traps in the northern part of Taiwan from December 2017 until February 2018. The blood samples that were taken from these animals were used for blood smear examination and part of the samples was tested using PCR. Ticks collected from these animals and were identified using standard identification keys. A total of 56 animals were caught, of which 42 animals were ferret badgers. Five blood samples derived from ferret badgers were infected with Babesia spp. by blood smear examination and two blood samples derived from ferret badgers had a positive PCR for B. gibsoni. A total of 106 ticks were collected from 21 of 56 animals. All ticks were identified as either I. ovatus or I. granulatus. It is hypothesized that in Taiwan the ferret badger may function as a local reservoir for B. gibsoni, possibly transmitted between ferret badger and dogs by either I. ovatus and/or I. granulatus ticks.