3410. Leishmaniosis - zoonosis - notifiable disease

Leishmaniosis

Leishmaniosis is a vector-borne zoonotic disease caused by the Leishmania spp. parasite.
Transmission to animals including dogs and humans is primarily through the bite of infected sandflies.

Direct dog-to-human transmission has never been reported worldwide. The disease is most prevalent
in tropical and sub-tropical regions, mainly in Africa, parts of Asia, the Middle East, Latin America
and the Mediterranean region.

2 Clinical signs in dogs are variable and can mimic other illness. Some of the signs and
symptoms may include skin lesions, weight loss and organ failure. Infected dogs may not always
show signs. The incubation period in dogs can range from months to years. Chemotherapeutics are
available for the treatment of this disease.

Treatment for leishmaniosis can improve the condition of
the dog, but it may not eliminate the parasite. In such cases, an infected dog may remain a carrier of
Leishmania species.

Advice on protecting animals from leishmaniosis
3 To reduce the chance of being bitten by sandflies, owners and carers can apply topical insect
repellent on their dogs or use collars that are impregnated with insect repellents (e.g. deltamethrin)
against sandflies. It is also advisable to avoid visiting areas where there are sandflies during dawn
and dusk and practice good personal hygiene such as washing of hands when caring for their dogs.

Advice on the handling of Leishmania cases in animals
4 Due to the fact that infected and previously infected animals remain a potential risk to public
health and the health of animals, we would like to advise on the measures to take to minimise the
risk of transmission of Leishmania for any suspect or infected animals:

a. Housed in a vector-protected area to avoid contact with other dogs and sandflies, where
possible;
b. Measures should be taken to avoid being bitten by flies; e.g. avoid going out at dawn and
dusk or apply an insect repellent collar or spray;
c. NParks/AVS should be informed if other dogs are to be kept on the same premises;
d. Bodily waste should be properly disposed of;
e. People coming into contact with these animals should practise good personal hygiene, such
as washing their hands after interaction;

f. Immuno-compromised individuals should avoid contact with these animals;
g. Undergo maintenance treatment for leishmaniosis;
h. NParks/AVS must be informed whenever there is a change in the health status related to
leishmaniosis;
i. Any new attending veterinarians should be informed of the animal’s history of leishmaniosis;
j. These animals must not be used as a blood donor and breeding of the animal should be
avoided.