The movement of dogs from continental Europe to the UK has been identified as a growing public health concern because of the risk of introducing zoonotic pathogens and vectors. Current pre-import legislation and control measures focus primarily on preventing incursions of rabies virus and the fox tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis. The review summarised in this article sought to broaden the evidence base by mapping major zoonotic pathogens and tick species associated with imported dogs and by assessing their potential to become established after importation to the UK.
The authors conducted a scoping review to summarise the major zoonotic agents and vectors associated with dog importation from continental Europe. The review explicitly considered pathogens such as rabies virus, Brucella canis and exotic tick species, and explored the potential for those agents to persist or establish in the UK environment.
Limitations of the review were acknowledged: only English-language sources were included in the literature search, which may have omitted relevant studies in other languages. The authors also noted that data on the numbers of imported dogs and their disease burden are limited, constraining the evidence available for comprehensive risk quantification.
The scoping review summarised evidence for multiple zoonotic pathogens associated with imported dogs. It highlighted rabies virus and Echinococcus multilocularis as the two agents currently targeted by UK pre-import controls. Other pathogens of concern discussed in the review include Brucella canis and various additional infectious agents reported in imported dogs in the literature. The review aimed to consolidate known associations between imported canines and zoonotic disease risk, drawing attention to pathogens beyond those covered by existing legislation.
Imported dogs may carry arthropod vectors, notably exotic tick species that are not endemic or widely established in the UK. The review included consideration of these vectors because of their capacity to introduce and transmit vector-borne zoonoses. Evidence describing the presence of imported tick species on dogs, and the potential for such ticks to become established or to transmit pathogens locally, was synthesised as part of the assessment of vector-borne disease risk associated with dog movement.
A central concern addressed by the review is whether pathogens or vectors introduced with imported dogs could establish transmission cycles in the UK. The authors examined reported occurrences and biological plausibility for establishment, but also emphasised that existing data are limited. The review did not present new empirical incidence estimates; rather, it compiled available literature to characterise which agents and vectors pose plausible risks for local emergence or spread following importation.
The review identified key gaps that hinder comprehensive risk assessment and response planning. These include restricted availability of robust data on the scale and health status of dog imports, language limitations in the reviewed literature, and probable under-detection of imported pathogens due to incomplete surveillance. The authors indicated that these gaps restrict the ability to quantify risk accurately and to direct proportionate control measures.
The review emphasises the central role of veterinary professionals in recognising, managing and preventing imported zoonoses. Raising awareness among veterinary staff is highlighted as integral to an effective One Health response. Strengthening communication, diagnostic vigilance, and reporting pathways within veterinary practice and between animal and public health agencies are implied priorities to detect and mitigate incursions early.
Movement of dogs from continental Europe to the UK represents an emerging pathway for zoonotic disease and vector introductions. Current pre-import legislation concentrates on rabies and Echinococcus multilocularis, leaving other pathogens and exotic vectors less controlled. The scoping review synthesised evidence for multiple zoonotic agents associated with imported dogs, identified significant data and surveillance gaps, and recommended raising veterinary awareness as a key component of a One Health approach. The authors note the limitations of the available evidence and call attention to the need for strengthened surveillance, research and potentially broader pre-import measures to better manage public health risk.