Canine leishmaniasis is an infectious disease that can be fatal, not only for dogs, but for any vertebrate animal (including men). The Leishmania parasite is the cause of this disease, which is housed in some insects - the sandfly or "sand fly" - and then enters the body of animals.
The danger begins season with spring and summer prior to high temperatures, when the parasite leaves its winter hibernation. Due to climate change and the increased mobility of people and their pets, more and more cases are seen in northern Europe. The most affected breeds are Boxers, Cocker Spaniel, German Shepherd and Rottweiler, but always depend on the exposure to sandflies and prevention you have.
Development of leishmaniasis
The disease is transmitted through the bite of an infected insect parasite, which happens to stay in the body of the animal. At that point, the dog may develop the disease or not, but in any case is a source of spread of the disease. Symptoms suffered by that develop include fever, hair loss (especially around the eyes), weight loss, skin ulcers, and nail problems. They may also have anemia, arthritis and kidney failure.
This is a problem that affects particularly important to dogs, but that can also affect people, it becomes a public health issue. Currently the best prevention tools are being repellent sprays, collars auyentan pipettes and parasites. However, leishmaniasis is still a major threat in Europe. It may happen that a dog affected can eliminate the infection.
A new vaccine
The new vaccine developed by specialized laboratory Virbac animal health, combat disease with greater assurance than previous methods of reducing the available habitat of the sandfly and insecticides on the dogs. Virbac vaccine is the first and so far the only one that exists against canine leishmaniasis in Europe.
Its implementation is feasible in dogs over six months old, and consists of three injections given at intervals of three weeks. Since then, only an annual booster injection is needed to keep our dog away from this infection. In addition to providing the animal with an immune mechanism resistant, this vaccine prevents the effect of spreading to northern Europe which is experiencing.
In any case, it is always best to consult with your veterinarian and be trusted counselor 'by him on what the best options in each situation. The vaccine developed by Virbac is available in Spain since January 25 this year.
Spain, an area of risk
The most favorable habitat for the survival of Leishmania is the Mediterranean basin, where high summer temperatures favor its parasitic activity. However, in recent years is spreading to the nrote due to global climate change and the increasing number of people traveling with their dogs.
Vaccination becomes more of an issue in southern Africa as an area with higher risk of infection. There are even areas in the southwest - Spain and Portugal - where sandflies work all year, so the danger is even greater.
According to figures released by Virbac, in Spain there are five new cases of canine leishmaniasis in 100 dogs per year. Where more antibodies is found in the Canary Islands (more than 15% of dogs) for the tropical climate and stable. Except in the northern plateau and the Cantabrian Mountains, where the incidence is below 5% in the rest of the country is around 10%. This is data that invite greater awareness to combat the disease, as only referring to cases that have been developed leishmaniasis. Taking into account the asymptomatic dogs, you can get up to 60% incidence.
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