A nationwide study found that more than one in three dogs in Norway show signs of exposure to three tick-borne diseases [1].
This finding marks the first comprehensive assessment of its kind in the country. The results provide a critical baseline for veterinary care and public health awareness as tick populations shift across the Nordic region.
The research was led by Hanne Kloster, a Ph.D. student at the University of Agder (UiA) [1]. The study examined the prevalence of three specific tick-borne diseases to determine how widespread these infections have become among the canine population [1, 2].
According to the data, more than 33 percent of the dogs tested showed signs of exposure [1]. While some reports suggest the figure is exactly one in three, the primary study indicates the proportion exceeds that threshold [1, 2].
Researchers focused on a nationwide sample to ensure the results reflected the entire country rather than specific high-risk regions [1]. This broad scope allows health officials to understand the geographic distribution of tick-borne pathogens in Norway.
The study was published in May 2026 [1]. It highlights the ongoing challenge of managing tick-borne illnesses in pets as environmental conditions change.
“More than one in three dogs in Norway show signs of exposure to three tick-borne diseases.”
The high prevalence of tick-borne disease markers in Norwegian dogs suggests that tick-borne pathogens are more widespread than previously documented. Because this is the first nationwide study of its kind, the data indicates a need for increased veterinary surveillance and potentially more aggressive preventative measures for pet owners across all regions of Norway.
