Vector-Borne Diseases - constant challenge for practicing veterinarians: recommendations from the CVBD World Forum

The CVBDs represent a varied and complex group of diseases, including anaplasmosis, babesiosis, bartonellosis, borreliosis, dirofilariosis, ehrlichiosis, leishmaniosis, rickettsiosis and thelaziosis, with new syndromes being uncovered every year. Many of these diseases can cause serious, even life-threatening clinical conditions in dogs, with a number having zoonotic potential, affecting the human population.Today, CVBDs pose a growing global threat as they continue their spread far from their traditional geographical and temporal restraints as a result of changes in both climatic conditions and pet dog travel patterns, exposing new populations to previously unknown infectious agents and posing unprecedented challenges to veterinarians.In response to this growing threat, the CVBD World Forum, a multidisciplinary group of experts in CVBDs from around the world which meets on an annual basis, gathered in Nice (France) in 2011 to share the latest research on CVBDs and discuss the best approaches to managing these diseases around the world.As a result of these discussions, we, the members of the CVBD Forum have developed the following recommendations to veterinarians for the management of CVBDs.1. Forget about 'exotic disease': Veterinarians should understand that the concept of 'exotic' diseases is no longer applicable - any disease can appear in your practice, wherever you are based, and it is your responsibility to maintain a working knowledge of these diseases, current local and regional vector trends and threats associated with client travel destinations, in order to ensure accurate diagnosis.2. Stay abreast of latest research: Research efforts in the field are continually discovering new CVBDs, and new information about existing CVBDs. Again, it is the duty of the veterinarian to remain abreast of these developments.3. Prevention is the best approach: Prevention of transmission is the best method of management for CVBDs. Fortunately, we know that there are a limit