A serologic survey was carried out to detect the prevalence of Ehrlichia canis antibodies among privately-owned dogs in the counties of Varna, Silistra, Ruse, Montana, Veliko Tarnovo and Pleven of northern Bulgaria. A total of 120 serum samples were IFA tested for anti-Ehrlichia canis IgG antibodies. A mean seroprevalence rate of 37.5% was recorded with Varna county showing the highest value (60%) followed by Silistra (55%), Ruse (30%), Montana (30%), Veliko Tarnovo (25%) and Pleven (25%) counties. These results clearly show that dogs residing in northern Bulgaria are highly exposed to E. canis.

Key words: dog, Ehrlichia canis, seroprevalence, northern Bulgaria, IFA test

Volume 57 (No. 3 p. 206-216) / 2006