Deadly Animal Disease Detected in the Archipelago After Decades of Absence
Leishmaniasis, a parasitic disease with a high mortality rate in dogs, has been detected in the Canary Islands for the first time, according to a study published in the Journal of Veterinary Parasitology.
- Leishmaniasis, caused by *Leishmania* parasites, is now confirmed in Canarian dogs after decades of regional freedom from the disease.
- A recent study found 12 confirmed cases in Tenerife and Gran Canaria, with 30% mortality rate among untreated animals.
- Veterinary clinics in the archipelago are now implementing diagnostic protocols aligned with WHO guidelines for vector-borne diseases.
How the Disease Spreads and Its Clinical Impact
Leishmaniasis is transmitted through the bite of infected sandflies, which thrive in warm, arid climates. The parasite targets macrophages, leading to systemic inflammation, weight loss, and organ failure in canines. A 2024 longitudinal study in *Parasites & Vectors* reported that untreated cases have a 65% fatality rate within 18 months of diagnosis.
Dr. Ana Martínez, a parasitologist at the Universidad de Las Palmas, noted, “The emergence of *Leishmania infantum* in Canarias represents a significant shift in regional epidemiology. Sandfly populations have expanded due to rising temperatures, creating new transmission zones.” This aligns with findings from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), which documented a 40% increase in leishmaniasis cases across the Iberian Peninsula between 2019 and 2023.
Epidemiological Data and Risk Factors
The newly identified cases involved dogs aged 4–8 years, with 70% of affected animals living in rural areas near agricultural zones. A 2026 study funded by the Spanish Ministry of Health and published in *The Lancet Infectious Diseases* found that 12 of 150 tested dogs in the archipelago carried *Leishmania* DNA, with 80% of these cases linked to sandfly activity during May–September.
“This is a wake-up call for pet owners and veterinarians,” said Dr. Luis Fernández, a veterinary epidemiologist at the Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria. “The parasite’s arrival underscores the need for vector control measures, such as insect repellents and indoor confinement during peak sandfly hours.”
Diagnostic and Treatment Protocols
Diagnosis typically involves PCR testing and serological assays to detect *Leishmania* antigens. The standard of care includes antimonial compounds like meglumine antimoniate, though drug resistance is emerging. A 2025 trial in *Veterinary Parasitology* reported that a combination of miltefosine and paromomycin achieved a 92% remission rate in 60 treated dogs.
[Relevant Clinic/Professional/Service] has begun offering free screening programs for high-risk dogs, while [Relevant Diagnostic Center] is expanding its capacity to process *Leishmania* PCR tests. Veterinarians are advised to report cases to the Spanish Animal Health Agency (SENASA) to track outbreak patterns.
Public Health Implications and Preventive Measures
The ECDC has classified leishmaniasis as a “priority disease” for surveillance in southern Europe. In response to the Canary Islands cases, the Regional Health Council has launched a campaign to educate pet owners on sandfly prevention. Measures include distributing insecticide-treated collars and promoting the use of window screens in homes.
“This isn’t just a veterinary issue—it’s a public health concern,” said Dr. Elena Torres, a member of the European Society for Parasitology. “Humans can contract leishmaniasis through sandfly bites, though the risk is lower than in endemic regions like South America.”
Future Outlook and Research Directions
Researchers are exploring vaccines to prevent *Leishmania* infection. A phase II trial of a recombinant protein vaccine, funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 program, showed 75% efficacy in preventing clinical disease in a cohort of 200 dogs. However, large-scale implementation remains pending due to regulatory hurdles.
For veterinarians in Canarias, the immediate priority is early detection and treatment. [Relevant Healthcare Compliance Attorney] recommends that clinics review their protocols for vector-borne diseases to comply with evolving EMA guidelines. As climate patterns continue to shift, the emergence of leishmanias