Protecting Your Dog: Understanding the Risks of T. cruzi Infection and Tick/Mosquito-Borne Diseases

Canine Chagas disease, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi), is estimated to infect 2% to 6% of dogs in the southern U.S., but rates can be as high as 20% to 30% in rural areas. The disease, which can lead to heart problems and sudden death, is primarily transmitted by triatomine bugs. While infected dogs do not pose a high risk of transmission to humans, prevention and early detection are crucial. Treatment options for dogs are limited, and efforts to develop common-use diagnostics and medications are needed to address this potentially life-threatening disease.