Table 1 Geographical distribution, relevant vectors, and the expected size of Babesia spp. in blood smears. Data for the primary Babesia species found in Europe provided

Babesia canis

Described across most of Europe (from Portugal to the north and east of Europe), and especially common in cool and wet climates. Higher prevalence in central Europe and lower prevalence in the Mediterranean basin

Dermacentor reticulatus

2.5 × 4.5

[9, 21, 55, 56, 58, 61, 84, 100, 149–151]

Babesia vogeli

Albania, Croatia, France, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain and Turkey

Rhipicephalus sanguineus

2.5 × 4.5

[9, 21, 55, 56, 58, 61, 62, 84, 100, 149–151]

Babesia gibsoni

Croatia, Germany, Italy, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain and United Kingdom

Rhipicephalus sanguineus?^a

1 × 3

[21, 48, 73, 152–154]

Babesia microti-like sp.

Croatia, France, Italy, Portugal, Serbia, Spain and Sweden

Ixodes hexagonus ^a Ixodes canisuga ^a

1 × 2.5

[21, 35, 50, 62, 63]