Serological evaluation of Ehrlichia canis infections in military dogs in Africa and Reunion Island.

Sixty-eight dogs from four African countries and Reunion Island were tested for antibodies against Ehrlichia canis. Twenty-six dogs (50%) in Tunisia, Senegal and Chad were found positive using the indirect fluorescence antibody test. Dogs from both the Central African Republic and Reunion Island were all negative. Thus, this preliminary report confirms the presence of E. canis in Africa. Larger studies will be necessary to evaluate the current epidemiologic situation of canine ehrlichiosis in these countries.