engleski

Canine leishmaniosis in Croatia: history, control measures and present status

In the south littoral parts of Croatia (Dalmatia region) canine leishmaniosis (CanL) had been recognized as a problem for the first time on the beginning of 20th century. It has been recognized as the re-emerging problem since 1997. in the same area again. Human leishmaniosis has been sporadically reported, and as with other diseases transmitted by arthropods, it is not a major public health problem in Croatia. Since 1997, CanL in Croatia has been proven parasitologically and serologically in hundreds of clinically suspected and in apparently healthy dogs, (all the dogs visited or lived in central and south parts of Dalmatia). Isoenzymatic analysis from 30 in vitro cultivated isolates revealed Leishmania infantum (MON-1 ; MON-27 ; and MON -34). Because of the epizootiological pattern, obligatory testing of all dogs in Dalmatia exhibiting evident clinical symptoms of CanL with anti-leishmanial treatment of positives (allopurinol) had been decreed by Croatian Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management during 2002-2005 period. During this period, efforts on serological monitoring among apparently healthy canine population in the enzootic area had been implemented too. 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 confusion among dog owners and doubts whether monitoring in the enzootic area should be at the owner’s own or at somebody else expense. Results of the recent surveys demonstrate upward trend of seropositive asymptomatic dogs in enzootic area (up to 31 %) and emergence of the both stable and unstable foci.

dog; leishmaniosis; monitoring

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