all they bring back from holidays are good memories
Pet travel has increased, and leishmaniasis endemic areas such as Southern Europe are visited very often. The disease affects dogs but can also be transmitted to humans through the bite of an insect known as sandfly.
Prevention is key to reducing the number of cases of leishmaniasis in dogs and avoiding the risk to humans. The implementation of external preventive measures, along with vaccination in dogs, can help protect pets, people and control the spread of this zoonosis to non-endemic areas.
annual prevention plan against leishmaniasis
Climate change, globalization, increased mobility, among other factors, contribute to the rise and spread of zoonotic diseases such as leishmaniasis.
Its presence is currently concentrated in southern Europe, although it is spreading northwards and threatening new areas.
Predicted distribution of sandflies in Europe
● 2023¹
● Forecast years 2061-2080²
worldwide, being endemic in 98 countries
 | The pets most affected by this disease are dogs, especially if they live in or travel to endemic countries. |  | One study found that 13% of dogs who had travelled to endemic countries tested positive for vector-borne pathogens³. |  | In humans, an estimated 700,000 to 1,000,000 new cases of leishmaniasis occur each year worldwide⁴. |
