References
Canine leishmaniosis: an update
Abstract
Canine leishmaniosis caused by the protozoan parasite
Canine leishmaniosis, caused by Leishmania infantum, is one of the most important vector-borne diseases of dogs in the Mediterranean basin (Baneth et al, 2008). It is also undoubtedly one of the most difficult of such diseases to identify and to manage. This is due to the variety of presentations and prolonged time before clinical disease in some cases, and because treatment does not always lead to a parasitological cure (Solano-Gallego et al, 2011). There is clear evidence that infected dogs have been introduced into the UK, even since before the start of the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) as it was the one infection that could manifest after the quarantine period, and infected cases have continued since the start of PETS (Shaw et al, 2009). 403 cases of canine leishmaniosis were diagnosed in dogs in the UK between 1997 and 2012 (Fox, M. 2008, personal communication). There may be a lack of awareness in the UK for diagnosing and treating canine leishmaniosis and PETS does not afford any protection against the disease. With increasing numbers of dogs travelling abroad from the UK each year, this disease is becoming ever more relevant for the UK. The following information discusses some of the concerns that UK veterinary practices have in deciding how to deal with this disease.
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