Tick-Borne Encephalitis in Dogs and Welfare

Tick-borne encephalitis virus is emerging in the UK and causes severe neurological disease in dogs. Tick prevention protects dogs from this increasingly important welfare risk.

Key Facts

TBE virus is transmitted by Ixodes ricinus ticks infected with the Flavivirus
Cases have been confirmed in dogs in England from 2020 onwards
Signs include acute fever, lethargy, and severe neurological signs including seizures
No specific antiviral treatment exists; management is supportive
A TBE vaccine exists for humans but not yet licensed for dogs in the UK

Welfare Considerations

TBE causes severe neurological disease with significant welfare impact in affected dogs. The acute neurological phase involves extreme distress from seizures, ataxia, and altered consciousness. Supportive care can reduce severity but outcomes in severe cases are poor and some dogs require euthanasia. Prevention through effective tick control using registered acaricide products is the primary welfare intervention currently available for dogs. Increasing tick checking after walks in woodland or grassland in areas where TBE has been identified reduces exposure risk.

What You Can Do

Apply monthly tick prevention treatments to dogs in areas where TBE has been identified
Check dogs for ticks after walks in woodland and grassland in high-risk areas
Remove ticks promptly using a tick hook to reduce virus transmission time
Seek urgent veterinary assessment for dogs showing fever and neurological signs after tick exposure