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Canine Leishmaniasis: What It Is and How to Prevent It

Leishmaniasis is a serious parasitic disease transmitted by sandflies. We tell you everything you need to know to protect your dog in Spain.

This is general information: for any health concerns, consult your veterinarian.

What is Canine Leishmaniasis in Spain

Canine leishmaniasis is a systemic parasitic disease and a relevant zoonosis with public health impact. It is classified as a neglected disease by the World Health Organization and is considered endemic in Spain and throughout the Mediterranean basin.

The causative agent of this pathology is the protozoan Leishmania infantum. In this cycle, the dog acts as the primary domestic reservoir host for the parasite.

What Transmits the Disease and How It Spreads

The disease is transmitted exclusively through the bite of female vector insects called sandflies, commonly known as sand flies. These insects are smaller than common mosquitoes.

The most important vector species described in the Mediterranean basin by specialized guides such as ESCCAP Spain are Phlebotomus perniciosus and Phlebotomus ariasi. It is very important to know that contagion does not occur directly from dog to dog through normal contact.

Highest Risk Areas and Times in Spain

The areas of greatest risk in our country are the Mediterranean regions, the Balearic Islands, the southern and central peninsular areas, as well as the Ebro River basin. However, climate change and rising temperatures are expanding its presence and incidence towards the northern peninsular regions.

Regarding the highest risk periods, the traditional season spans the warm months from April to October, reaching its peak in July and August. Although global warming extends their period of activity, they can be found active until December or year-round in certain areas.

Sandflies are nocturnal. They show maximum activity and bite mainly from dusk until dawn. During the day, they take refuge in damp, dark places such as cracks or basements.

Symptoms That Warrant a Vet Visit

The incubation period is highly variable, usually ranging from three to eighteen months, although the animal can remain asymptomatic for years.

You should go to the vet if you notice any of the key clinical signs of the disease in your pet.

• Localized or generalized skin lesions such as wounds that do not heal, hair loss, exfoliative dermatitis, or hyperkeratosis on the paw pads.
• Progressive weight loss and loss of appetite.
• General fatigue, apathy, and fever.
• Kidney failure and severe problems in internal organs such as the liver and spleen.
• Joint alterations and nasal bleeding or epistaxis.

How to Prevent Leishmaniasis in Dogs

Prevention is fundamental to keeping your dog protected against the parasite. It is recommended to combine several preventive methods through year-round or intensified layered protection during the warmer months.

Repellents are essential: use insecticides with repellent effects against sandflies in the form of specific collars, lasting from six to eight months or up to twelve months depending on the commercial product, and monthly spot-on treatments.

Vaccination is another key tool. It consists of administering specific vaccines aimed at stimulating the dog's immune system to reduce the risk of developing clinical disease after exposure to the parasite.

Environmental management measures must be applied: avoid walks and keep dogs indoors during the vector's peak activity hours, from dusk to dawn, during risk seasons. Installing fine-mesh mosquito nets at home also helps.

How Veterinary Diagnosis is Performed

The diagnosis of leishmaniasis is complex due to the wide variability of symptoms and always requires expert professional judgment.

It is primarily based on quantitative and qualitative serological tests for antibody detection, such as ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) or indirect immunofluorescence assay (IIF) techniques. Additionally, direct demonstration or detection of the parasite is used through laboratory methods, always following the protocols of expert groups like Leishvet and GSLC.

«Wow, so much important information to protect ourselves from those pesky sandflies on summer nights!»

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