Dog - Leishmaniasis

What is Leishmaniasis?

This is a disease caused by a protozoan (single celled) parasite found in dogs and certain rodents in many part of the world. It can affect man but there is no direct transmission from dog to man, or vice versa. It is transmitted by a small blood sucking sand fly (Phlebotomus spp) which looks rather like a small mosquito. It occurs throughout the tropics especially Mediterranean coastal areas.

Does Leishmaniasis occur in Britain?

In the past it only occurred in imported dogs and was usually discovered during quarantine. With the introduction of the PETS travel scheme British dogs with no inbuilt resistance now regularly visit southern France and Mediterranean areas where the disease is rife. Despite taking every precaution these dogs can get bitten while on holiday and subsequently develop the disease. The incubation period (time from infection to development of clinical disease) can be from 3–7 months.

What are the signs?

The most common signs include dermatitis and skin infections, weight loss, eye, liver and kidney disease. If untreated the disease is fatal and even with treatment affected animals may remain carriers. To complicate matters sometimes signs take years to appear.

How is it diagnosed?

Although the signs can often be vague and take a long time to develop, diagnosis can be confirmed by testing blood or tissue samples from the affected dog.

What can I do to reduce the risk?

Sandflies at present have a fairly limited range and therefore local knowledge is important before visiting an area. They feed at night and are more active in summer therefore it is important you avoid high risk areas with your dog if at all possible.

Please consider leaving your dog at home if it is necessary for you to visit such an area. Sandflies are most active at dawn and dusk so make sure you keep your dog indoors from one hour before dusk until one hour after sunrise if you must visit the area with your dog.

Fly repellents and some ectoparasite sprays reduce risk. We will be pleased to advise and supply the necessary preparations. It is important that treatment is commenced at least 3 weeks before your visit and continued until approximately one month afterwards. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Can my dog spread the disease if affected?

No, transmission is not direct from one animal to another but is via the sandfly which at present is not found in Britain. With the advent of global warming the risk exists.

Is there anything else I should know?

Repellents alone do not completely protect dogs from sandflies. There is no vaccine and it can affect humans (zoonosis) but is not spread to us directly from the dog. It has to pass via the sandfly. The organism is never completely eliminated so recurrence of signs is normal. When relapses occur, further therapy will be required.