What can be a route of transmission for canine ehrlichiosis other than ticks?

Canine ehrlichiosis is primarily caused by the bacterium Ehrlichia canis, which is often transmitted through the bites of infected ticks. However, one alternate route of transmission is through blood transfusion. If a dog receives a transfusion from an infected donor, the bacteria can be transmitted directly through the blood. This veterinary concern highlights the importance of screening blood donors for infectious diseases before performing transfusions, ensuring that the blood supply is safe for transfusion.

While saliva contact is a possible avenue for transmission in some infectious diseases, it is not recognized as a significant transmission route for ehrlichiosis. Aerosol exposure is not a relevant method for this bacterial infection, as it does not typically spread through respiratory droplets. Invasive surgery, while it may involve exposure to blood, is not a typical route for the transmission of ehrlichiosis, making blood transfusion the more relevant concern in this context.