[The brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Ixodidae), in Germany: an epidemiologic study and control measures].

Between January and December 1995 infestations with Rhipicephalus sanguineus were established in 22 dogs in Germany. Out of these 22 animals 2 originated from the endemic area of this tick species, Spain and the Dominican Republic and 11 dogs accompanied their owner to the Mediterranean countries, 5 to Italy, 3 to France, 2 to Spain and 1 animal to Greece. Six dogs had never left Germany and with 3 dogs the way of infestation could not be reconstructed. In 16 cases an abundant occurrence of R. sanguineus in homes was reported, whereby in 5 homes also men were infected. An infection with Ehrlichia canis was diagnosed in the dog which originated from Spain and in one animal which had never left Germany.