engleski

Outcome of canine leishmaniasis control measures suspension in Croatia : serological and entomological studies in Dalmatia region

In Mediterranean country Croatia, canine leishmaniasis has been recognized in the south littoral parts (Dalmatia region) as the re-emerging disease since 1997. Previous entomological surveys carried out in the area, revealed sand fly species of Phlebotomus genus, among which three were belonging to the Larroussius subgenus, being proven Leishmania infantum vectors. Because of the epizootiological pattern of leishmaniasis in Dalmatia, obligatory testing of all dogs exhibiting evident clinical symptoms of leishmaniasis had been decreed by Croatian Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management during 2002-2005 period. During this period, efforts on serological monitoring of the asymptomatic canine population in enzootic area had been implemented. The incidence rate of seropositive dogs had decreased during this period from 15% to 8%. In 2005 measures had been perceived by Ministry as too expensive, and in 2006 ultimately abandoned. Since then, we have been witnessing doubts, whether monitoring among asymptomatic dogs should be at the owner’ s own or at somebody else expense. The present note reports the findings of entomological and crosssectional serological survey carried out during the end of June 2008 along the border of Split-Dalmatia county (where stable foci of canine leishmaniasis had been reported previously), and Sibenik-Knin county with previously a few unstable foci reported. A total of 74 dog serum samples were examined by indirect immunofluorescence test in serial dilutions (cut-off 1/40). Results of the serological survey demonstrate cumulative seropositivity of 13.5 %, upward trend of seropositive asymptomatic dogs in previous stable foci area (up to 31.0 %) and the emergence of new stable foci. Entomological studies evidenced that among the two competent Leishmania vectors found, P. neglectus and P. tobbi, the first was prevalent (75.9%) being also the species much more associated to habitats where dogs are present.

dog; leishmaniosis; Larrousius; Croatia; monitoring

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