Companion Animals

Companion Dog Canine Leishmaniosis Prevention

Prevention and management of canine leishmaniosis in dogs travelling to or from endemic areas.

Key Facts

Leishmaniosis is endemic in southern Europe and spreading northward with climate change
Phlebotomine sandfly bites transmit the parasite to dogs
Licensed vaccines provide significant protection in endemic areas
Repellent collars and spot-on treatments reduce sandfly biting
UK cases occur in dogs returning from holidays in Spain, Portugal, and Italy

Welfare Considerations

Leishmaniosis causes progressive chronic disease causing significant welfare deficit, and prevention through vaccination and repellents is far preferable to treatment of established infection.

What You Can Do

Vaccinate dogs travelling to endemic regions against leishmaniosis
Use sandfly repellent products including imidacloprid collars in endemic areas
Test dogs returning from endemic areas for leishmaniosis exposure