Canine leishmaniasis

Canine leishmania (CanL) is a parasitic disease caused by infection with Leishmania infantum (L. infantum) (although other Leishmania species can be associated with disease). The parasite is transmitted by sand flies, which can also transmit infection to humans. While there is no direct transmission between dogs and humans, the control of CanL in dogs is important to limit the transmission and spread of the parasite via sand flies to humans.

There are an estimated 700,000 – 1 million new cases of leishmaniasis in humans every year.

Currently, there is only one commercially available vaccine in Europe. The vaccine reduces the likelihood of dogs developing disease symptoms and progression of disease, but does not prevent infection.