Prevalence and distribution of <i>Anaplasma phagocytophilum</i> in ticks collected from dogs in the United Kingdom

Background: Anaplasma phagocytophilum is the etiological agent of canine granulocytic anaplasmosis in dogs and causes human (HGA). Tick-borne has been recognised as an emerging zoonotic health concern worldwide. The aim present study was to determine prevalence A. ticks collected from UK map its distribution. Routine surveillance tick-borne disease essential part a “One Health” approach infectious management. Methods: Tick DNA samples 2015 large-scale tick programme were analysed using previously validated diagnostic quantitative PCR for phagocytophilum. Results: analysis indicated that 138 out 2994 positive phagocytophilum, 4.6% (95% CI: 3.89–5.42). Among these samples, 131 Ixodes ricinus, six hexagonus one canisuga. Three I. ricinus also Borrelia spp. Babesia DNA, indicating co-infection. pathogen found widely distributed throughout UK. Conclusions: These data provide important information on wide distribution infesting within