Isolation and multilocus sequence typing of Borrelia burgdorferi from Ixodes scapularis collected from dogs in Ontario, Canada.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the multilocus sequence typing (MLST) sequence types of Borrelia burgdorferi from Ixodes scapularis in Ontario, Canada. RESULTS: One hundred and eighty-five I. scapularis ticks were submitted from 134 dogs via participating clinics from April 1, 2019, to March 31, 2020. Seventeen MLST sequence types of B. burgdorferi were detected from fifty-eight cultured isolates from 21 ticks. The most common MLST sequence types were 12 and 16. Mixed infections of two MLST sequence types were detected in four ticks. Three sequence types (48, 317, 639) were new detections in Ontario.

Assessing knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Canadian veterinarians with regard to Lyme disease in dogs.

BACKGROUND: The blacklegged tick (BLT) is a vector for the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb), which causes Lyme disease. Range expansion of the BLT in Canada is related to an increased risk of Lyme disease in many regions. Current literature, such as the 2018 American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine consensus statement, suggests that there may be differences in the approaches of veterinarians who encounter dogs exposed to Bb and dogs with Lyme disease. OBJECTIVES: To determine current knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Canadian veterinarians regarding Lyme disease in dogs. ANIMALS: None. METHODS: An online survey was distributed to Canadian veterinarians through veterinary associations and industries. Survey responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics, spatial analysis, Fisher's exact tests, and univariable logistic regression. RESULTS: At the completion of the survey, 192 responses were received from veterinarians practicing in all 10 Canadian provinces. Answers to short scenario and treatment questions reflected a wide variety of clinical approaches taken by veterinarians. Regional differences were seen in reported tick distribution and clinical approaches. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Regional differences and generalized differences were found in approaches used by responding Canadian veterinarians with regard to managing Bb exposure and Lyme disease in dogs. We identified areas for future research and knowledge mobilization for veterinarians.