Babesia canis

Babesia canis is a protozoal parasite which infects red blood cells and can lead to anemia. This is a species that falls under the overarching genus Babesia. Babesia canis is transmitted by the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) and is one of the most common piroplasm infections. The brown dog tick is adapted to warmer climate, therefore most infections come from the southern and southeastern United States and from California, especially in shelters and greyhound kennels. Babesia canis is also predominately in Europe and transmitted by Dermacentor ticks with an alarming increase in infections due to people traveling with their pets.