Until now, the Archipelago remained untouched by this pathology, which annually affects a significant percentage of the canine population in Spain. However, provisional results from research led by the veterinary faculty of the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC) reveal the presence of the parasite and its transmitting insect, the sandfly, on the islands.
The study, which has analyzed nearly 800 dogs from all islands, has detected that approximately 10% of animals with prior suspicion of the disease have tested positive. "Initially, we thought the cases seen in the Archipelago were from dogs that had been infected on the mainland and showed the illness upon returning to the Canaries," explains Alberto Montoya, Professor of Animal Medicine at the ULPGC Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and one of the study's leaders. Nevertheless, local infections raised concern, prompting the investigation.
The detection of the sandfly in the Canary Islands marks a turning point for public health, as this vector can infect not only dogs but also cats, horses, and other species, and even humans. In the Mediterranean, leishmaniasis is already a public health issue, particularly for individuals with compromised immune systems.
Faced with this scenario, experts urge the adoption of preventive measures. "In September, we will organize workshops to alert health authorities and ask fellow veterinarians to be vigilant and implement all means to halt the disease," states Montoya. Providing adequate information to pet owners and raising awareness about the importance of prevention are crucial.
Prevention includes the use of vaccines, which, while not 100% effective, significantly reduce contagion and spread. Anti-parasitic collars and immunity boosters are also recommended. Although treatment exists, the disease is aggressive and has a high mortality rate in animals, with the risk of the parasite remaining lodged in the organism.
Leishmaniasis is a potentially fatal disease in canines. Its initial symptoms include skin problems, ulcers, nasal bleeding, and conjunctivitis. If it progresses, it can affect vital organs, causing kidney failure, severe anemia, and eye lesions. In humans, it is known as "Oriental Sore" and manifests as skin ulcers.
