Canine vector-borne diseases (CVBDs) pose a global threat to both canine and public health. This study evaluates the prevalence of Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.), Rickettsia conorii, and Dirofilaria immitis in domestic dogs in Liguria, north-west Italy, a region where data were lacking. From 2013 to 2023, 8584 blood samples from shelter (74%) and owned dogs (26%) were submitted to the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale of Piemonte, Liguria and Valle d’Aosta (IZSPLV) for serological testing (indirect immunofluorescence and/or rapid immunochromatographic tests). Overall, 18.8% (95% CI: 18.0–19.7) of the dogs tested positive for at least one pathogen, with positivity against R. conorii antigen being the most frequently recorded (24.4%, 95% CI: 23.3–25.5). Lower prevalence levels were observed for Anaplasma spp. (1.82%, 95% CI: 1.47–2.23), Ehrlichia spp., (1.25%, 95% CI: 0.97–1.60), B. burgdorferi s.l. (0.22%, 95% CI: 0.11–0.39), and D. immitis (0.84%, 95% CI: 0.65–1.06). Positive cases for all pathogens increased over time, with prevalence differing significantly between owned and shelter dogs. Topographical factors, land use, and monthly relative humidity appeared to influence the positivity in the dogs. These results update the epidemiology of the investigated CVBDs in Liguria, indicating a widespread exposure to Rickettsia spp. among local dogs.

Canine leishmaniosis (CanL), caused by Leishmania infantum, is an endemic zoonotic disease in the Mediterranean basin, with changing epidemiological patterns. This study aimed to evaluate seroprevalence, assess temporal and seasonal trends, compare owned and shelter dogs, and identify dog-level and environmental factors associated with L. infantum exposure in Liguria, a historically endemic area of northwest Italy. A retrospective observational study was conducted using diagnostic data from dogs tested for L. infantum in Liguria between 2016 and 2024. Serological results were obtained using an indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT; cut-off ≥ 1:160). The dataset comprised 75,702 dog-year observations (an observation from the same dog in a different year was considered separately) from 36,679 dogs. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the study population and factors associated with seropositivity were investigated using generalised estimating equation models with a binomial distribution and logit link function, including demographic and environmental variables. Overall, 10.1% (n = 3693) of dogs tested positive at least once. Inter-annual variability and an increased prevalence during summer and autumn were observed. Shelter dogs had higher odds of seropositivity. Exposure risk increased progressively with age and was slightly higher in males, while minor differences were observed between pure-bred and cross-bred dogs. Environmental factors were also associated with seropositivity, showing a higher prevalence in rural areas and a marked spatial gradient from west to east. This study updates the epidemiology of L. infantum, highlighting a non-negligible risk for both dogs and humans and the need for targeted surveillance and control strategies.