Background Leishmania infantum infection can result in serious vector‐borne zoonotic disease such as visceral leishmaniasis. The objectives of the study were to estimate the seroprevalence and associated risk factors in Weliso, Ambo, and Ejaji towns in the Southwest and West Shewa zones, Oromia, Ethiopia. Methods A cross‐sectional study was conducted from October 2019 to September 2020. A total of 368 canines were sampled for the study using a basic random sampling procedure. An Indirect ELISA kit was used to test the presence of rK39 antigen eliciting specific antibodies in a serum sample. The association between L. infantum seropositivity and possible risk factors was assessed using Pearson's Chi‐square and logistic regression tests. Results The overall seroprevalence of L. infantum in dogs was found to be 84.24% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 80%–88%) with seroprevalences ranging from 76.11% (95% CI: 67%–84%) in Ambo to 79.82% (95% CI: 71%–87%) in Weliso, and higher seroprevalence, in Ejaji 93.84% (95% CI: 89%–97%). In a univariable logistic regression analysis, town (p = 0.001), season (p = 0.001), mixed living (indoor/outdoor) environment (p = 0.003), and kebele (p ≤ 0.05) were all found to be significantly linked with L. infantum seropositivity. In the multivariable analysis, wet season (p = 0.001) and mixed living environments (p = 0.025) were found to be independent predictors of L. infantum seropositivity. Conclusions This is the first comprehensive report of L. infantum infection in Ethiopian dogs. The very high seroprevalence suggests that dogs may play an important role in maintaining and spreading the infection to humans. Improvement of the living environment and health care facilities for dogs and humans as well health education for people awareness is suggested.

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Background Canine Leishmania infantum infection is a major vector-borne zoonosis. Most cases of canine leishmanias are caused by Leishmania infantum, but other species can also be found. In the Old and New Worlds, leishmaniasis is spread by the bite of phlebotomine female sandflies of the genera Phlebotomus and Lutzomyia respectively. The objectives of the study were to estimate the seroprevalence and associated risk factors in Weliso, Ambo, and Ejaji towns of South-West and West Shewa Zones, Oromia, Ethiopia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2019 to September 2020. The study population consists of dogs found in the study towns. The study subjects include 368 dogs selected by using a simple random sampling method. A blood sample (5 ml) was collected to test for the presence of rK39 antigen inducing specific antibodies using an Indirect ELISA kit. All the data were analyzed using the STATA version 14 software program. Pearson’s Chi-square and logistic regression tests were used to evaluate the association between the seropositivity of canine Leishmania infantums and hypothesized risk factors. Results An overall canine Leishmania infantum seroprevalence of 84.24% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 80 - 88%) was obtained. In Weliso, Ambo, and Ejaji towns canine Leishmania infantum seroprevalence of 79.82% (95% CI: 71- 87%), 76.11% (95% CI: 67- 84%), and 93.84% (95% CI:89 – 97%) were found respectively. Univariable logistic regression analysis showed that town (P=0.001), season (P=0.001), mixed living environment (P=0.003), and Kebele (P<0.05) were significantly associated with Leishmania infantum seropositivity. However, the multivariable analysis indicated that wet season (P = 0.001) and a mixed living environment (P = 0.025) were independent predictors of canine Leishmania infantum seropositivity. Conclusion The seroprevalence of canine Leishmania infantum in dogs was very high. Wet season and mixed living environment are predictors of seropositivity. The high percentage of seropositive dogs indicates the potential role of dogs to maintain the infection and the possible spread of L. infantum infection to humans. Therefore, improvement of the living environment and health care facilities of domesticated dogs, community awareness and health education, and further epidemiological studies are suggested.