What is leishmaniasis and How does leishmaniasis When the internal organs are what causes it? affect my animal? involved, it can affect the spleen, liver, Leishmaniasis (LESH-ma-NIGH-ah- Dogs develop the skin form of the or cause changes to the blood. This sis) is a disease caused by a protozoan disease and may have non-itchy, dry, form can be very serious if not treated parasite called Leishmania. The flaky, hairless areas on the muzzle, and may lead to death. This form parasite is transmitted to humans around the eyes, ears or on the feet. rarely occurs in the United States. and animals through the bite of an Lesions may start on the footpads Who should I contact, if I infected sandfly. The disease can have and then spread to the rest of the suspect leishmaniasis? several different forms; the two most body. Other signs can be fever, loss In Animals – common forms affect the skin or of energy, appetite and weight, and Contact your veterinarian. internal organs. exercise intolerance. In Humans – Leishmaniasis occurs in many Can I get leishmaniasis? Contact your physician. countries of the world (Central and South America, the Mediterranean, Yes. Humans can get leishmaniasis, How can I protect my animal Asia, Africa, the Middle East, China, but not directly from animals. from leishmaniasis? Transmission occurs from the bite of India, the Caribbean). Cases in the Pets, especially dogs, living in areas an infected sandfly vector( ). Animals United States are rare and typically where sandflies exist, should be kept serve as a reservoir (or source of the occurred in individuals returning indoors from dusk until dawn (to avoid protozoan for the sandflies). Most from countries that have the disease being bitten by the insects). Rodent cases occur when people travel to and sand flies. However, sand flies populations should be controlled to areas where the disease occurs. Signs capable of spreading the disease have decrease a source of the protozoan of disease can take months to develop been found in southern Texas and for the sandfly. leishmaniasis has been reported in 21 and may affect the skin or the internal states and Canada. organs of the body. How can I protect myself Disease of the skin starts with itchy, from leishmaniasis? What animals get red raised bumps which can ulcerate If travelling to areas where leishmaniasis? and scab. They usually heal on their leishmaniasis and sandflies occur, Dogs (especially foxhounds in the own but can last for years and cause limit outdoor activities from dusk eastern part of the United States), permanent scars. until dawn. If you are outside, wear coyotes, foxes, and rodents can be protective clothing (long sleeves affected and harbor the parasite. and pants). Use insect repellents Cats and horses can occasionally Leishmaniasis is a protozoal disease, containing DEET. If sleeping outside, become infected. spread by sand flies, use mosquito netting. Make sure windows and doors have screens that that can affect How can my animal get are in good repair. leishmaniasis? humans and dogs. Animals get infected from the For More Information bite of a sandfly vector( ) that has CFSPH Technical Fact Sheets. Leishmaniasis previously fed on blood from another at http://www.cfsph.iastate.edu/ infected animal. DiseaseInfo/default.htm CDC website. Leishmaniasis. http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/ leishmaniasis/
Left: Sand fly (vector) for leishmaniasis. Right: Leishmania protozoal organisms
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