Abstract
BackgroundCanine leishmaniosis (CanL) is enzootic in southeastern France, and military working dogs (MWD) posted in this area are highly exposed. To assess the efficiency of prevention, we performed a serological and clinical follow-up of 80 MWD in the Var and Corsica regions during the 20-year period from 1993 to 2012. The systematic and specific prevention of CanL using a deltamethrin-impregnated collar (DMC) was implemented in 2002.FindingsOut of 80 dogs tested annually, the cumulative serological and clinical incidence was 42.5% (34/80) and 21.2% (17/80) respectively, during the first period, and these numbers decreased to 6.2% (5/80) and 2.5% (2/80) during the second period (p < 0.00001). Considering the incidence of serology since 2002, the CanL risk has been reduced by 85.2% and the level of protection of MWD reached 93.8%. Dogs without collars had a 10.4-fold greater chance of becoming infected than protected dogs. Although other ecological factors might have influenced the epidemiology of CanL, DMC usage was the main factor affecting dog exposure to CanL.ConclusionsThe prevention strategy based on DMC proved highly efficient in our population of MWD, as it effectively controlled the disease. This result is also of interest to public health, as dogs are reservoirs for Leishmania infantum.
Highlights
Canine leishmaniosis (CanL) is enzootic in southeastern France, and military working dogs (MWD) posted in this area are highly exposed
The prevention strategy based on deltamethrin-impregnated collar (DMC) proved highly efficient in our population of MWD, as it effectively controlled the disease
Dogs are the main reservoir of the parasite that causes human visceral leishmaniosis, a major zoonosis
Summary
Serological and clinical surveillance of CanL was carried out in a population of 80 MWD during a 20-year period. When preventive measures are not implemented, CanL rapidly spreads in kennels [25]. External antiparasitic products that are efficient against phlebotomines are essential for MWD in areas of France or abroad that are endemic for leishmaniosis. Vaccination should be integrated into the prevention strategy, if necessary, and following the recommendations of experts [3,4]. Competing interests The authors declare that they have no competing interests. Authors’ contributions BD organized the prevention measures and the epidemiosurveillance of CanL in French military kennels and wrote the manuscript. JLM participated in data analysis and revised the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript
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