Canine Leishmaniosis Control through the Promotion of Preventive Measures Appropriately Adopted by Citizens

Abstract

Canine leishmaniosis (CanL) is a disease caused by the protist Leishmania infantum and transmitted to dogs by sand fly (Diptera: Phlebotominae) bites. In 2005, a new autochthonous focus of CanL was recognised in the southern part of Euganei hills (northeastern Italy). In subsequent years, this outbreak was monitored, testing dogs and evaluating sand fly population. Moreover, dog owners were sensitized on the adoption of preventive measures, thanks to the collaboration of local administration, health authorities, and private veterinarians. This study includes serological tests on dogs, questionnaires submitted to dog owners regarding the use of preventive measures on their animals, and the evaluation of sand fly abundance. Data collected were statistically compared with those of previous years. The canine seroprevalence was significantly lower than that recorded at the beginning of the outbreak, despite the fact that sand fly abundance did not significantly decrease. In addition, most of the dog owners declared using regularly the topical insecticides on their dogs during the sand fly season. This experience demonstrated that a collaborative approach among scientific researchers, local authorities, and private veterinarians can achieve excellent results in the management of a leishmaniosis outbreak.

Occurrence of Phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) in the northeastern plain of Italy

“…Entomological surveys conducted in these regions have confirmed the geographical expansion of Phlebotomine sand flies to northern latitudes: P. perniciosus was the most widespread species in both pre-Alpine and pre-Apennine territories, while P. neglectus was present only in pre-Alpine and P. perfiliewi in pre-Apennine sites [ 14 ]. These studies confirmed the most suitable habitat for these vectors is represented by hilly and low mountainous areas [ 11 – 13 , 15 , 18 – 20 ].…”

“…In this study, we report for the first time the presence of Phlebotomine sand flies in the northeastern plain of Italy. Although other studies have reported sand flies in these regions, they were collected from hilly and low mountainous areas [ 11 – 13 , 15 , 18 – 20 ]. An increase in the distribution area of sand flies was observed only in the neighboring region, Emilia-Romagna, where P. perfiliewi and P. perniciosus were collected from the whole regional territory [ 28 , 29 ].…”

“…In light of the growing movement of dogs from or to endemic areas (adoptions or tourism) [ 42 ], in addition to a proper awareness among veterinarians and public health authorities, dog owners should be aware of the health risk and should be adequately educated in the correct use of preventive measures against sand fly bites. Although outbreaks of L. infantum are more frequently described in non-endemic areas, dog owner education programs on the correct use of preventive measures against sand fly bites are found to achieve successful results in controlling the spread of the infection [ 12 , 20 ].…”