Rising temperatures in May signal the emergence of the sand fly, a small blood-sucking fly that transports a terminal disease called Leishmaniasis, pronounced ‘leesh-man-i-asis’; colloquially known as ‘Kala-zar’.  Canine Leishmaniasis (CanL) is endemic to this region.  Some vets venture to suggest that the infection rate of dogs on Zakynthos is particularly high.  To grasp the basis of this suggestion and, more importantly to know how to protect our dogs against CanL we need to understand how it is spread.

The microscopic lieshmania parasite lives in the organs and tissues of an infected dog, when a sand fly feeds on the dog it ingests the parasite which then multiplies inside the fly and is passed on to the next animal it bites.  The name ‘sand fly’ is a misnomer and has little to do with the beach; the flies need  rural habitats to breed where there is moist soil in which to lay eggs.  They are most active between dusk and dawn.  Sand flies live for about two weeks during which time they can lay between 80 - 200 eggs.  Countless flies can feed on an infected dog during just one evening.  Unfortunately, it is the many dogs chained or caged outdoors that form the main reservoir of infection.

There is no vaccination against CanL but a combination of preventive measures can limit the probability of being bitten.  Repellent impregnated collars have been shown to deter a significant percentage of biting flies; in controlled tests, the Scalibor® brand was found to be the most effective.  However, the collars need a week for full absorption to take effect and last for about four months.  Combining the collar with a citronella spray diligently applied before dusk is another consideration.  Of course keeping your dog in doors at night will certainly help.  Sand flies are weak flyers and hover low; elevated kennels or moving dogs to fenced balconies may also limit the risk for ‘outdoor dogs’.

Signs and symptoms of infection manifest in either a few short months or after three or four years and include one or more of the following; enlarged lymph nodes, thickened and curled toe nails, dandruff on the face and back, hair loss particularly around the eyes, muzzle, ears and back, weeping skins sores on the head, nose and hind legs, nose bleeds, diarrhoea, a swollen stomach, weight loss despite a good appetite, increased thirst and intermittent lethargy are a few of the most common visible signs.  Sadly, it is the unseen internal problems that ultimately prove fatal.

The local vets are experienced in the signs of CanL though simple laboratory tests are used to confirm the presence of Leishmaniasis.