Almost two out of ten dogs in Navarra are infected with leishmaniasis, although they do not always develop the disease. The latest programs of study analyzed by the Institute of Tropical Health (ISTUN) and the department of Microbiology and Parasitology of the School of Medicine of the University of Navarra indicate that from 1997 to 2020 the seroprevalence in dogs in Navarra has tripled and has increased from 5.9% to 18%. 

1 June marks the National Day for the Prevention of Canine Leishmaniasis. average A disease that affects 385,000 dogs a year, 15% of the total number of dogs in Spain, and of which only 3% are vaccinated. In addition, half of infected dogs are asymptomatic, which makes diagnosis and the ability to prevent the spread of the disease to other dogs difficult.

Leishmaniasis is one of the lines of research developed by ISTUN. Experts corroborate that an adequate response to this threat is prevention through pipettes, repellent sprays and collars, as well as early detection of the disease. In addition, the same high school, seeks to bring the research closer to clinical application at partnership with hospitals, veterinary clinics and research centres located in affected regions, with the goal to achieve an active participation against this global health problem.  

Leishmaniasis is a group of diseases caused by a parasite of the genus Leishmania. The parasite is transmitted through the bite of a phlebotomine sandfly (a variety of mosquito). Symptoms in dogs are manifested by muscle, eye and kidney problems and skin lesions. In humans, it causes both skin and visceral lesions. 

Risk factors and most susceptible breeds

Canine leishmaniasis is a widespread disease throughout Spain. The programs of study seroprevalence in dogs in Spain has suggested that fees infection rates vary from 2% to 57.1% according to area. Risk factors include: mobility of dogs, on a regular basis, between Autonomous Communities (hunting, weekend getaways, holidays, etc.); climate change - rising temperatures favour the development of the vector; walks, mountain excursions, which increase the exhibition to bites; dogs that spend part or all of their time outdoors; the proximity of areas with stagnant water or with the river running nearby, increasing the number of cases in areas near the river Ebro; and evening walks with our dog, as it is at dusk when the highest parasite load has been observed in the environment.

"Leishmaniasis affects all subject dogs, however, there are breeds that are more sensitive than others, for example, Boxers, German Shepherds, Cocker Spaniels and Rottweilers, and in general, hunting dogs, as they are more exposed", says Aroia Burguete, from group Leishmaniasis-Therapeutic Targets and Molecular diagnosis of the ISTUN and department of Microbiology and Parasitology of the School of Medicine of the University of Navarra.