Understanding tick-borne encephalitis virus — an emerging threat to dogs in Northern Europe.
Tick-borne encephalitis represents an emerging welfare concern for dogs in areas where the virus has become established. The expanding range of TBE virus — driven by changes in tick habitat, climate change, and wildlife host movements — means dogs in previously unaffected areas are now potentially at risk. Clinical TBE in dogs causes neurological disease of variable severity.
The welfare of clinical TBE is significant. Encephalitis causes disorientation, ataxia, seizures, and potentially fatal neurological compromise. Dogs that survive clinical TBE may have residual neurological deficits affecting quality of life. The supportive care of clinical encephalitis — hospitalisation, anticonvulsants, anti-inflammatory treatment — is intensive and stressful.
Prevention through tick control is the primary welfare intervention. Effective acaricide products (topical spot-ons, collars) reduce tick attachment time below the threshold needed for TBE transmission. Prompt tick removal further reduces transmission risk. Owners in areas with confirmed TBE activity should be informed of the risk and tick prevention prioritised.