Canine and feline vector-borne diseases (VBDs) are caused by a wide range of pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and helminths, which are transmitted by a variety of vectors, such as ticks, fleas, mosquitoes, and phlebotomine sand flies. Some VBDs might be life-threatening in cats and dogs, they might develop after long incubation period making their diagnosis challenging, particularly because their clinical signs are not pathognomonic 1 2 . In addition, cats and dogs may eventually act as reservoirs of pathogens of zoonotic concern. A wide range of factors (e.g., climatic changes, human and animal population dynamics) may affect the occurrence and spread of VBDs 1 . However, the renewed interest on canine and feline VBDs of zoonotic concern is often not paralleled by publication of updated information on their distribution and ecology (e.g., seasonality and risk of exposure for susceptible hosts) in different geographical areas. This lack of knowledge, especially in cats, greatly impairs the development and implementation of effective preventive and control measures at national and regional levels.

In Italy, as well as in many other European countries, the aforementioned key information on parasitic arthropods and the pathogens they transmit is scant, anecdotic, and often outdated 3 . This is mainly due to the fact that most of the regional surveys or case reports on VBDs have been published in Italian journals or in proceedings of national scientific meetings, thus being in most of the cases not available to the international scientific community.

The present article reviews the current situation and perspectives of canine and feline VBDs in Italy. Additionally, the risk of transmission of vector-borne pathogens through different seasons is discussed in order to afford the implementation of effective control programs.

Italy is located in southern Europe and comprises the long, boot-shaped Italian Peninsula, the land between the peninsula and the Alps, and two main islands (Sicily and Sardinia). The country has a territory of 301,230 sq km, of which 294,020 sq km is land. It is geographically differentiated into three main areas which include administrative regions, namely northern (Liguria, Piedmont, Aosta Valley, Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige, and Friuli-Venezia Giulia), central (Tuscany, Abruzzo, Umbria, Marche, and Lazio), and southern Italy (Campania, Apulia, Basilicata, Molise, and Calabria) including Sicily and Sardinia islands (Figure 1).

The climate of Italy is highly variable. Most of the inland northern areas have a continental humid climate whereas the coastal areas of the Liguria region and most of the peninsula have a typical Mediterranean temperate climate. The Italian peninsula has a large variety of habitats and environments, from the northern Alps through the Apennine Mountains to southern Italian and island regions. The geographical and climatic features, among other factors, contribute to the development of arthropod vectors, which may be present during most of the year, as is the case of ticks 4 , fleas 5 , and the Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus 6 .

Free-roaming (i.e., stray) dogs and cats are often present in urban and rural areas representing a public health concern in Italy 7 . Stray dogs have unrestricted movements and have been classified as neighbourhood (or community) and feral dogs on the basis of the level of dependence on human care 8 . It has been estimated that about one million stray cats and dogs live in Italy 7 . The high number of stray cats and dogs is probably due to the fact that their euthanasia is prohibited in Italy and animal abandoning is still a common practice. In fact, the current Italian legislation obligates public health authorities to maintain municipal shelters 7 , where dogs are housed through their entire life, providing government protection and assistance for them.

Cats and dogs living in public shelters in Italy may be at high risk of acquiring vector-borne pathogens, mainly because they are often untreated against ectoparasites, thus, representing an easy feeding source for them. In addition, the general conditions of these animals (e.g., poor nutrition) may contribute to susceptibility to some VBDs. Likewise, when infected, free-roaming cats and dogs are often neither monitored nor treated against vector-borne pathogens.

Travelling of dogs and cats (e.g., for holidays) from VBD-endemic areas into Italy and vice versa poses a risk for the introduction and dissemination of exotic pathogens if competent vectors are present. In a recent study, it was found that 62% of dogs infected by Babesia canis had a history of travel to East European countries 9 . The above phenomenon highlights the importance of establishing effective surveillance systems to avoid the importation of infected cats and dogs into and from Italy.

Dogs and cats living in Italy are at risk of becoming infected by different vector-borne pathogens, including protozoa, bacteria, and nematodes (Tables 1 and 2). Some vector-borne pathogens are widespread throughout the country and their occurrence in a given geographical area is affected by the presence of their competent arthropod vectors (i.e., ticks, fleas, lice, phlebotomine sand flies, mosquitoes, and secretophagous non-biting flies). Indeed, the likelihood of a dog or a cat becoming infected by a vector-borne pathogen in a given area is greatly influenced by vector population density as well as by the prevalence of the infection within the vector population. The closer is the contact between vectors and hosts, the higher will be the risk of infection. However, cases of VBDs have been diagnosed in cats and dogs in some areas where the presence of the proven vectors is unknown. This apparent absence of vectors in certain areas is likely to be the result of the limited number of studies conducted in these areas rather than the lack of the vectors themselves.

The geographical distribution of the main vector-borne pathogens affecting cats and dogs in Italy is reported in Figures 2 and 3. The maps have been elaborated based on data available in the literature, information provided by the Istituto Zooprofilattico della Sicilia (the reference centre for VBDs in Italy), and authors' unpublished data. Once again, the absence of certain pathogens in some regions (e.g., Babesia vogeli in Basilicata and Calabria regions) might be due the lack of studies carried out in these regions.

Rhipicephalus sanguineus (the brown dog tick) is among the most important arthropod vectors involved in the transmission of pathogens affecting dogs worldwide 10 . In Italy, R.sanguineus (Figure 4) is the most common tick species infesting dogs 11 12 13 14 . It is the major vector of B.vogeli, Ehrlichia canis, Hepatozoon canis, and Rickettsia conorii and it is a putative vector of many other pathogens including B.canis, Babesia microti-like piroplasm (Spanish isolate), Anaplasma platys 14 15 , and Anaplasma phagocytophilum 16 . Following the recent retrieval of Bartonella vinsonii berkhoffii genotypes II and III in dogs from southern Italy, a potentially new strain or species of Bartonella was detected in salivary glands of R.sanguineus ticks and in a dog 17 . Some of these pathogens (e.g., E.canis) are passed to the subsequent tick developmental stage (i.e., from larvae to nymphs and from nymphs to adults) transstadially 18 . Additionally, certain pathogens, such as R. conorii, might be maintained over several tick generations by transovarial transmission 19 . In this case, not only nymphs and adults but also larvae might play a role in transmitting the infection.

Other tick species (e.g., Ixodes ricinus, Rhipicephalus turanicus, Hyalomma marginatum, Ixodes hexagonus, Rhipicephalus bursa, Dermacentor marginatus, and Dermacentor reticulatus) have also been found on dogs in different Italian regions 4 14 and the potential role as vectors of some of them has been speculated upon. For instance, it has recently been suggested that I. ricinus could act as a vector of B. vogeli in central and northern Italy 14 . Ixodes ricinus is the major vector of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and different "genospecies" have been detected in ticks collected in northern and central Italy 20 21 22 . Although an early experimental study failed to demonstrate the pathogenicity of B. burgdorferi (BITs1 Italian strain) in four beagles 23 , anti-B. burgdorferi antibodies have been detected by indirect immunofluorescence antibody assay in a dog from Sicily presenting with fever, gait abnormalities, and diffuse pain 24 . Cats have also been found infested by ticks (e.g., R. sanguineus) in Italy 25 but the veterinary significance of this parasitism is largely unknown.

Fleas and lice are vectors of pathogens affecting dogs and cats worldwide 1 , but little is known about their ecology and vectorial role in Italy. Ctenocephalides felis is the most common flea species infesting dogs and cats in Italy followed by Ctenocephalides canis 5 26 . Recent investigations have revealed the occurrence of Rickettsia felis DNA in C. felis collected from dogs and cats in different regions of Italy 26 27 , pointing out the public health relevance of fleas infesting dogs and cats in this country. The prevalence of R. felis DNA in fleas was significantly higher in north-eastern (23.2% of 112 fleas) than in south-western (7.1% of 169) Italy 26 . Moreover, the positivity was higher among fleas collected from cats (17.6% of 74) than from dogs (10.2% of 246), although the number of fleas from cats tested was much lower when compared to those from dogs 26 .

Lice (e.g., Trichodectes canis) are intermediate hosts of Dipylidium caninum, but there is no information about their role as vectors of pathogens infecting dogs or cats in Italy.

Phlebotomine sand flies (e.g., Phlebotomus ariasi, Phlebotomus neglectus, Phlebotomus perniciosus, and Phlebotomus perfiliewi) are vectors of Leishmania infantum 28 , which is a pathogen of great zoonotic relevance affecting dogs 29 and occasionally cats 30 31 32 in Italy. By comparing recent entomological surveys with the historical data available, it has been recorded that there is an increase in terms of population density and geographical range of P. perniciosus and P. neglectus from southern and central to northern Italian areas 29 . The above phenomena might have ultimately contributed to the establishment of phlebotomine sand fly vectors of L. infantum into previously free areas in northern Italy and might represent an important issue to be considered while predicting the spread of phlebotomine sand flies northward through central European countries 33 .

In Italy, about 16 species of mosquitoes (e.g., A. albopictus and Culex pipiens) have been regarded as proven or suspected vectors of the filarid nematodes Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens, the causative agents of cardiopulmonary and subcutaneous dirofilariosis, respectively, in cats and dogs 33 34 35 . The most common filarial species parasitizing dogs in Italy are D. immitis and D. repens whereas Acanthocheilonema reconditum, Acanthocheilonema grassii and Acanthocheilonema dracunculoides, which infest subcutaneous tissue and/or muscular fasciae, are less diffused and of minor zoonotic concern 33 .

Phortica variegata flies feed on lachrymal secretions around the eyes of a wide range of hosts, including humans and wild and domestic carnivores 36 . Males of this drosophilid fly have been shown to act as vectors of Thelazia callipaeda eyeworms under both experimental and field conditions 37 38 .

From the information above, it becomes clear that dogs and cats living in Italy are exposed to the risk of infection by different vector-borne pathogens, some of which are of public health concern. The occurrence of some arthropod vectors throughout the year (e.g., ticks) and of others during summer months indicates that the risk of infection by vector-borne pathogens can vary in different areas of Italy according to the seasonal activity of their respective vectors.

The geographical distribution of VBDs is greatly influenced by the distribution and density of the different arthropod vectors which, in turn, is highly dependent on temperature and relative humidity of the different areas of Italy. For long time VBDs have been believed to be strictly linked to the seasonality in temperate areas and the role of climate and environmental factors on arthropod infection rate has been documented 39 . However, in the past decades, the 'seasonality paradigm' has been extensively debated and nowadays it cannot be considered more valid for many VBDs in the Mediterranean area 33 . In fact, there is evidence that microenvironment and climate changes have a significant impact on the distribution, transmission rates and prevalence of many VBDs. In the Mediterranean area, specifically in Italy, while some vectors (e.g., ticks, fleas, and some mosquito species) have been shown to be active throughout all the year 4 5 6 , others (e.g., phlebotomine sand flies and P. variegata) display a typical seasonal activity 29 36 . This implies that dogs are at permanent risk of infection by certain tick-borne pathogens, such as E. canis. In the first case, a typical example is represented by R. sanguineus, the most widespread tick species in the world and probably the tick species transmitting the highest number of pathogens 10 . Due to its adaptability to human-modified ecosystems, this tick species is present through all the year in Italy 4 . Again, the presence of multiple tick species with overlapping seasonal patterns of activity in Italy (e.g., I. ricinus in northern regions, D. marginatus and R. sanguineus throughout the country) represents a further risk for tick-borne infections through the whole year 4 .

As far as fleas are concerned, the occurrence of C. felis has been investigated in southern Italy. Although the prevalence of flea infestation was higher during the period between June and October, dogs were infested throughout the year 5 indicating a constant risk for flea-borne pathogen transmission. The results of this study are likely to be representative of other Mediterranean countries being also confirmed by surveys carried out in central Europe [e.g., 40 ].

For a long time, mosquito vectors of D. immitis were thought to be more active during the summer months, mainly in humid climate areas of northern Italy and, at a lesser extent, in the remaining part of the Peninsula 41 . However, the introduction of A. albopictus, a known vector of D. immitis and D. repens 41 42 , during the 1990s has been implicated in the appearance of new autochthonous foci of heartworm disease that have recently been reported in previously non-endemic areas of southern Italy (i.e., Apulia and Calabria regions) 33 . In addition, A. albopictus has adapted to the relatively low winter temperatures of Italy, rapidly increasing its populations through the country, developing many generations over the year in central and southern regions and overwintering as eggs in colder northern regions 6 . In contrast to other vectors of filarid nematodes, A. albopictus has a diurnal activity pattern 6 . This poses an additional threat to animals and humans, making them proportionally more exposed to Dirofilaria spp. in areas where both A. albopictus and other nocturnal mosquitoes (e.g., C. pipiens) occur in sympatry 41 .

The occurrence and spread of canine leishmaniosis in a given area depends on several factors, including vector abundance and biting rates. In Italy, the activity of phlebotomine sand flies is seasonal and restricted to the summer months 43 44 45 46 47 . Indeed, recent entomological surveys carried out in northern 43 , central 44 and southern regions 45 indicated that the activity of P. perniciosus (the most important vector of L. infantum in the Mediterranean area) is restricted to June and early October 29 . The activity of phlebotomine sand flies is predominantly nocturnal, but their biting activity pattern can vary according to species and foci 46 47 .

The ecology and distribution of P. variegata has been studied in an area in southern Italy where T. callipaeda is highly endemic 36 . It has been shown that P. variegata has a seasonal pattern from May to October, being more active during July and August, at 20-25°C and 50-75% of relative humidity 36 .

It is difficult to assess the actual prevalence of infection by different vector-borne pathogens in cats and dogs in Italy due to the limited amount of data as well as to the difficulties in comparing information from studies using different diagnostic tools. Indeed, the prevalence of infection by vector-borne pathogens can also vary according to geographical region. For instance, the prevalence of E. canis infection in dogs estimated by serological surveys varied from 14.9% in southern Italy 48 to 46.7% in Sardinia 49 . Conversely, the overall prevalence of E. canis infection among 601 Italian dogs estimated by real-time PCR was lower than that recorded by serology, indicating that the infection is most prevalent in southern (9.7%) than in central (8%) and northern (2.9%) Italy 50 . Indeed, these discrepancies are due to the different methods used in each study, but also to the fact that the risk of E. canis infection varies among foci according to local factors (e.g., vector population density and activity patterns). Anaplasma platys infection has been molecularly detected in kennelled dogs in central (23%) 48 and southern Italy (11.3%) 15 as well as in dogs showing clinical signs of VDBs in southern Italy (4.3%) 51 . In addition, co-infection by E. canis and A. platys may also occur as recorded in a dog population from southern Italy where 44.4% of individuals infected by A. platys were co-infected with E. canis 48 . Rhipicephalus sanguineus, a proven vector of E. canis, has been suspected to act a vector of A. platys in Italy 14 15 and the high frequency of co-infection by E. canis and A. platys adds weight to this hypothesis. Similarly, high prevalence rates of anti-R. conorii antibodies (up to 74%) have been detected in dogs 51 . A study carried out in different Italian areas reported the occurrence of antibodies to R. conorii (56%) and A. phagocytophilum (3.7%) in dogs 51 . In a recent investigation carried out in southern Italy, 11.6% of 60 healthy dogs were positive for Bartonella spp. DNA 17 . Moreover, an uncultured Bartonella sp. (strain HMD) has been detected in five dogs, one of which was co-infected with B. vinsonii berkhoffii (genotypes II and III) 17 . These data indicate that dogs are exposed to multiple Bartonella species, some of which being of human health concern (i.e., B. vinsonii berkhoffii).

There are limited data on Babesia protozoa infecting dogs in Italy 51 52 53 54 . In a serological survey carried out in central and northern Italy it was recorded a mean prevalence of 34% of anti-Babesia antibodies in dogs with a decreasing trend from central to northern areas 14 . In the same survey, it has been recorded that 'kennel life style' and the age class 25-48 months represent risk factors for Babesia spp. infection 14 . The occurrence of Babesia gibsoni in Italy has recently been supported by molecular data 52 . Again, molecular investigations on Babesia spp. in blood samples from dogs with clinical signs compatible with VBDs have shown that B. canis is mainly detected in northern Italy (29.1%) whereas B. vogeli was detected mainly in central and southern Italy (16.3%) 54 .

While canine dirofilariosis by D. repens has been considered for a long time to be mainly diffused in southern regions, D. immitis is endemic in northern regions with prevalence rates ranging from 22 to 80% 55 56 in dogs untreated with prophylactic drugs. In the past 20 years, D. immitis showed a relevant prevalence increase in endemic areas 56 and it was also recorded outside the main endemic area of the Po Valley, in provinces of north-eastern Italy previously regarded as non-endemic 57 . Furthermore, D. immitis has also become endemic in central regions such as Tuscany and Umbria 56 58 . A recent study carried out on dogs from southern Italy reported the occurrence of A. reconditum (16.5%) followed by D. repens (1.4%) and D. immitis (0.5%) in Campania 59 . The occurrence of D. immitis and D. repens has been also recorded in Apulia and Calabria with prevalence rates up to 1.6% 33 . The spread of D. repens in northern Italy 55 and the new foci of D. immitis recently detected in southern regions 33 indicate that dogs are at risk of both Dirofilaria spp. throughout the whole country. Until now, D. immitis infection in cats has been diagnosed mostly in northern Italy where the prevalence is about 18% in pet cats 60 .

The highest prevalence of canine thelaziosis has been reported in some areas of southern Italy (Basilicata region), reaching up to 60% in certain municipalities 61 . In this area, T. callipaeda has also been found among different wildlife species, which have been implicated as its reservoirs 62 .

For long time, stable endemic foci of canine leishmaniosis have been reported in southern and central Italy, with seroprevalence rates reaching up to 53.1% in some foci 63 . In a study conducted in the Apulia region (southern Italy), the yearly incidence rate of canine leishmaniosis among 168 dogs (92 farm and 76 kennel dogs) was calculated to be 9.5%, being higher (13.1%) among kennel dogs 64 . On the basis of recent data on phlebotomine sand fly collections and on human and canine leishmaniosis, new foci of canine leishmaniosis have been detected in northern regions where the disease was previously regarded as non-endemic 29 . As in the case of canine leishmaniosis, many other vector-borne pathogens infecting dogs and cats in Italy are not only important from a veterinary standpoint but might also represent a public health concern.

Many vector-borne pathogens infecting cats and dogs in Italy may also be a threat to human health. These include many bacteria (e.g., A. phagocytophilum, Bartonella henselae, B. vinsonii berkhoffii, B. burgdorferi, Coxiella burnetii, R. conorii, and R. felis), nematodes (e.g., D. immitis, D. repens, and T. callipaeda), tapeworms (D. caninum), and L. infantum. In most of the cases, cats and dogs are unlikely to represent important reservoir hosts and their role in the transmission of these pathogens to humans is probably minor. On the other hand, cats and dogs may play a key role in the zoonotic cycle of transmission of some pathogens, such as B. henselae and L. infantum, respectively.

Dogs are primary hosts of vector-borne pathogens that may occasionally affect humans in Italy, including D. immitis, D. repens 65 66 , and T. callipaeda 67 . Most importantly, dogs have been regarded as the main domestic reservoirs of L. infantum 29 68 69 , which affects about 200 people annually in Italy 70 . Although D. immitis and D. repens have long been regarded as pathogens of veterinary concern, only recently these nematodes have been recognized as emerging zoonotic agents in Italy 65 66 . In particular, Italy is the first country in the world in the number of case reports (246 cases, from 1885 to 1999) of human dirofilariosis by D. repens 65 and dogs have been regarded as natural reservoirs of this filarid 71 . Similarly, the first cases of human thelaziosis in Europe have been diagnosed in the Piedmont region (northern Italy) in patients coming from north-western Italy and south-eastern France and now T. callipaeda has been recognized as an emerging parasite of humans in Italy as well as in other European countries 67 . Although dogs have also been found naturally infected by other pathogens (e.g., A. phagocytophilum, C. burnetii, and R. conorii) of public health concern in Italy 51 , their role in the zoonotic transmission of these pathogens in this country is yet to be determined.

Cats have been found infected by emerging human pathogens, such as B. henselae and Bartonella clarridgeiae in Italy 72 , and might be involved in the zoonotic transmission of these pathogens to man. The role of cats as additional domestic reservoirs of L. infantum has long been discussed 73 and a recent study has demonstrated that they can act as a source of L. infantum infection to P. perniciosus under laboratory conditions 32 . Recent studies have revealed high infection rates by R. felis (the causative agent of flea-borne spotted fever in humans) in fleas (C. felis and C. canis) collected from cats 26 27 . However, the role of cats in the epidemiology of flea-borne spotted fever is still to be determined 27 .

Considering the zoonotic relevance of many vector-borne pathogens infecting cats and dogs in Italy, the control of VBDs they cause should not be only of veterinary concern but also a public health priority.

The control of VBDs requires a holistic approach, considering the distribution, and the ecology of the vectors and of pathogens they may transmit and the infection progression in infected animals. The current strategies for the control of arthropod vectors in dogs and cats have recently been reviewed elsewhere 2 74 . The control of ectoparasites on dogs and cats is largely based on the use of acaricides and/or insecticides (e.g., amitraz, fipronil, and permethrins) that are available in a number of formulations (e.g., pour-on, spot-on, baths, and insecticide-impregnated collars). Most of the commercially available ectoparasiticides for use in dogs and cats have a long-lasting effect, being safe for pets, their owners, and the environment. Moreover, they can present killing and/or anti-feeding effects, which may prevent pets from being bitten by arthropods for long periods, and thus from becoming infected by vector-borne pathogens 74 . The use of insecticides in combination with insect growth regulators (e.g., chitin synthesis inhibitors and juvenile hormone analogues) increases their ovicidal and/or larvicidal activity. When applied on dogs and cats, insect growth regulators also act in their sleeping areas which may be highly infested by fleas 74 . Indeed, the control of arthropod vectors such as fleas and ticks should be performed by using an integrated approach focusing on animals, but also on the environment.

The prevention of VBDs can be achieved by means of systematic application of acaricides and/or insecticides, prophylactic administration of drugs, and vaccination. However, as discussed previously in this review, the occurrence and the risk of acquiring VBDs in Italy can vary according to the geographical and seasonal distribution of their respective vectors. Thus, the success of any prevention strategy depends on the appropriate use of commercially available tools, which should not only consider the manufacturer's instructions but also the available information on the vector ecology in a given area or region.

In Italy, the chemoprophylatic use of ivermectin against third- and fourth-stage larvae of D. immitis and D. repens has long been recommended for dogs in highly endemic areas of northern regions 75 . In southern Italy, the same approach should be recommended only for dogs travelling to highly endemic areas. Ectoparasiticides with different modes of action and targeting different vector developmental stages have the potential to protect dogs and cats against infection by different vector-borne pathogens. For instance, field studies have shown the efficacy of different commercially available products in reducing the infection rate by E. canis 48 and L. infantum in dogs 45 76 . In Italy, vaccines against canine babesiosis are commercially available and should be recommended for dogs living in or travelling to endemic areas. Vaccines are also available against Lyme disease caused by B. burgdorferi sensu stricto, but not against the other species. The decision to vaccinate against Lyme borreliosis should be made based on a risk assessment of the individual dog that includes information about where the dog lives and how often it frequents a tick-infested area. As far as cats, no studies are available in the literature about the prevention of VBDs.

Undoubtedly, the general picture of the VBDs affecting dogs and cats in Italy is complex mainly due to the limited amount of published data on ecology and distribution of arthropod vectors and the pathogens they transmit in northern, central and southern areas of the country. Gaps in our knowledge are even worse for vector-borne pathogens infecting cats; for some of which (e.g., R. felis) almost no information is available.

Among arthropods parasitizing dogs and cats in Italy, ticks are the most important vectors of pathogens. Indeed, ticks are proven vectors of a large number of pathogens, present in a wide geographical distribution and, most importantly, they are active during the whole year. In particular, due to its high degree of adaptability to different microenvironments and its capability to occasionally feed on hosts other than dogs, R. sanguineus represents one of the major threats not only to dogs, but also to cats and humans 4 11 . Furthermore, the role of this tick as a putative vector of many species of other pathogens is a currently debated issue. For instance, the transmission of Leishmania parasites by R. sanguineus or by C. felis has received a renewed attention from the scientific community in recent years 10 77 . For instance, there is experimental evidence indicating that ticks could act as mechanical vectors of L. infantum via their ingestion 78 and a recent study has reported the detection of L. infantum kinetoplast DNA in salivary glands of R. sanguineus ticks collected from a dog living in a rural area in southern Italy 79 . Further studies are needed to assess the competence of ticks as vectors of Leishmania parasites from dog to dog which ultimately could open new perspectives for the control of this infection in areas where canine leishmaniosis is endemic but the primary vectors have not been found. Again, the retrieval of new strains or species of pathogens (e.g., Bartonella sp. strain HMD) 17 in salivary glands of R. sanguineus in southern Italysuggests that unrecognized vector-borne pathogens may exist, which could complicate the diagnosis and management of other endemic VBDs in dogs and cats. Furthermore, considering the importance of R. sanguineus as vectors of R. conorii and the medical relevance of R. conorii infection in Italy 80 81 , further research on the role of dogs in the epidemiology of Mediterranean spotted fever should be carried out.

As a priority, it is necessary to establish effective national surveillance systems based on a regional level that, using standardized diagnostic procedures and protocols, could provide a clear picture on vector-borne pathogens circulating among dogs and cats (both pet and free-roaming ones) in different Italian regions. Data on the distribution of arthropod vectors (e.g., regional maps) and the pathogens they transmit would not only allow the assessment of the risk of the introduction of exotic pathogens into non-endemic areas but, more practically, could provide information to veterinarians and pet owners on timing and protocols that should be chosen for preventing VBDs in different Italian regions. In this regard, it is crucial to translate that data from research into changed practices by veterinarians and to ensure owners' compliance.

An affordable and reliable control of canine and feline VBDs should also be part of a strategy for the management of zoonotic infections in order to reduce the risk of pathogen circulation between pet animals and humans. However, these actions cannot be disconnected from political initiatives to reduce the number of free-roaming dogs and cats in Italy and to improve vector control programs in public kennels. Finally, it is crucial to implement a permanent surveillance system to prevent the entry and exit of exotic vector-borne pathogens through dogs and cats travelling with their owners to and from Italy.

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

DO and FD-T contributed equally to conceiving and writing this article.