Ehrlichiosis is a tick-borne disease of the white blood cells, caused by infection with a bacterium called rickettsia.
 

In dogs, the symptoms of ehrlichiosis can include fever, anorexia, weight loss, stiffness and prolonged bleeding. 
 

People can also catch ehrlichiosis as a result of being bitten by an infected tick.
 

Ehrlichiosis does not normally occur in the UK. However, it is common in Europe, the USA and Africa, and there is a risk:
 

• to pets that travel to these areas
• that travelling pets may return to the UK with this disease, and help it establish here.

The latter of these 2 risks is considered serious enough that in 2003, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) launched Dog and Cat Travel and Risk Information (DACTARI), a scheme through which the disease can be monitored and reported.  Thankfully, the number of cases reported in the UK each year remains low (11 confirmed, and 1 suspected between 2003-2006).
 

Nevertheless, you should be aware of this disease, and seek immediate veterinary care for your dog if it exhibits any of the above symptoms after returning from a trip abroad.