Canine leishmaniasis is endemic in southern Europe and expanding northward with climate change. Prevention through sandfly control and vaccination protects dogs travelling to or living in affected regions.
Leishmaniasis is a progressive, incurable disease that causes chronic suffering — it cannot currently be eliminated once established. Prevention is therefore the most important welfare intervention available. Owners travelling to endemic regions who do not apply appropriate sandfly prevention expose their dogs to a lifetime disease burden that is entirely avoidable. The combination of repellent collar, topical treatment, and vaccination where available provides the most robust protection.