Neonatal Anaplasma platys infection in puppies: Further evidence for possible vertical transmission

•Puppies born from some infected bitches are positive for Anaplasma platys by PCR without evidence of tick infestation.•Vertical transmission of A. platys may occur in dogs, either transplacentally or in the perinatal period. Anaplasma platys, the aetiological agent of infectious canine cyclic thrombocytopaenia, infects platelets of dogs, usually causing mild or asymptomatic disease. Although A. platys is transmitted by ticks, as for other Anaplasma species, alternative modes of transmission may be involved. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the occurrence of A. platys infection in litters of puppies, which could suggest possible vertical transmission. Twelve litters, together with the respective bitches, were included in the study for the detection of A. platys DNA by PCR, followed by sequencing. Five puppies, from 2/4 litters