Global cases for tick-borne disease are on the rise, with research indicating changes in climate and land use being linked to this increase. The study of these pathogens remains an important focus of research for dogs, owners, and medical professionals alike.
When Sumi (Dr. Sree Rajeev‘s Australian Cattle Dog mix) was feeling lethargic and refusing food, Dr. Rajeev was able to diagnose her with Anaplasma platys – a dangerous bacterium commonly carried by the brown dog tick.
While A. platys can be fatal, Sumi was able to recover in full with this early diagnosis and prompt care. With a blood sample and a seed grant provided by the American Kennel Club, Dr. Rajeev sequenced the full A. platys genome; creating the first ever genetic map for this pathogen.
