Review spotlights locally acquired leishmaniosis in U.S. animals

A new review in Microorganisms pulls together evidence that autochthonous, or locally acquired, leishmaniosis in the United States is not limited to people and imported cases. The authors say dogs, cats, horses, and some wildlife species have all been affected domestically, with different Leishmania species involved depending on the host and region. In U.S. dogs, the review points to Leishmania infantum as the parasite identified in autochthonous canine cases, especially in foxhounds, while horses have been linked to L. martiniquensis. The paper also highlights L. mexicana in wildlife and in areas with recognized cutaneous leishmaniasis risk, particularly Texas, with Arizona also flagged as an area of concern. (mdpi.com)

Why it matters: For veterinary professionals, the review is a reminder that leishmaniosis belongs on the differential list even in U.S.-born animals with no travel history, especially hounds, animals moved across state lines, or patients from southern regions where competent sand fly vectors are present. CDC and prior U.S. studies indicate that locally acquired human cutaneous leishmaniasis occurs mainly in Texas, while canine L. infantum infection in U.S. foxhounds appears to be maintained largely through vertical transmission rather than proven widespread vector transmission. That means veterinarians may need to think beyond travel exposure alone, and consider breeding history, kennel networks, transfusion risk, and public health communication with pet parents. (cdc.gov)

What to watch: Expect more attention on surveillance, species-level diagnostics, and whether climate, dog movement, or vector distribution expand the map of locally acquired disease in U.S. animals. (mdpi.com)