First Molecular Detection of the Potential Zoonotic Pathogen Rickettsia asembonensis in Client‐Owned Dogs and Cats in Thailand

Rickettsioses are predominantly zoonotic infections that circulate among animal populations and can be transmitted to humans, representing emerging vector‐borne diseases spread through infected arthropod vectors. Rickettsia asembonensis displays a broad geographic distribution and is predominantly associated with fleas. Recent reports have identified R. asembonensis in febrile human patients in Malaysia, Peru, and Zambia, underscoring its emerging zoonotic potential. In Thailand, however, investigations of Rickettsia spp. have concentrated mainly on ticks and fleas, with comparatively little information regarding infections in pet dogs and cats.