Leishmaniasis is a serious, potentially fatal parasitic disease transmitted by the bite of the sandfly. Spain lies in the Mediterranean basin, an endemic area, and the sandfly is most active from May to October, with peaks in June and September. There is no cure — the parasite is never eliminated — but with early detection the clinical signs can be controlled and may even disappear. Prevention is what matters most.
Key facts:
- Cause: a protozoan of the genus Leishmania, transmitted by the bite of the sandfly.
- Risk season: May to October, peaking in June and September. Sandflies bite at dawn and dusk.
- Signs: skin problems, enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, eye inflammation, anaemia, muscle wasting, weight loss, fever, nosebleeds, thickened nails.
- It is not transmitted dog-to-person or dog-to-dog: only by the direct bite of the sandfly.
- No cure: the parasite is not eliminated, but the signs are treatable. Relapses and lifelong monitoring are expected.
- Prevention: repellent collar or spot-on, fine mesh screens, avoiding damp areas, an annual blood test, and discussing the vaccine.
If you live in Spain and you have a dog, leishmaniasis concerns you. It is one of the most serious diseases your dog can contract — and one of the most preventable.
What is leishmaniasis and how is it transmitted?
The parasite is a protozoan of the genus Leishmania, which lives inside a small fly — the sandfly — and is transmitted through its bite. Inside the sandfly the parasite undergoes a series of changes and becomes infective.
It affects the dog above all, which is considered its main reservoir, and to a lesser extent wild canids, rodents, other mammals (cats, horses) and even humans, which makes it a zoonosis. The Mediterranean basin — where Spain sits — along with South America, Asia and Africa, is an endemic area, and cases have risen in recent years.
What are the symptoms of leishmaniasis?
The commonest are skin problems (dermatitis), enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, inflammation of the eyes, pale mucous membranes and anaemia, muscle wasting with exercise intolerance, an enlarged spleen, progressive weight loss with poor body condition, fever, nosebleeds and abnormally long, thickened nails.
How do I prevent it?
Prevention is the cornerstone of controlling this disease: the aim is to stop the sandfly biting, both carriers and non-carriers.
- Effective repellents against sandflies (collars, spot-ons). Check how long the effect lasts: repellent collars should be changed every 3–4 months, as their efficacy declines.
- Mind the calendar: the sandfly is most active from May to October, peaking in June and September, though it can appear earlier if conditions are favourable. With rising temperatures its range has extended further north.
- Avoid dawn and dusk: the sandfly is nocturnal. Reduce your dog’s exposure at those times, especially in high-risk areas.
- Avoid high-risk areas of high humidity, such as standing water.
- Mesh screens on the windows, with a very fine weave: the sandfly is very small.
- Regular external antiparasitics, and anti-mosquito products indoors — which protect the dog and the whole family.
- Vaccine: your vet may recommend it to increase resistance to developing the disease.
Is there a vaccine against leishmaniasis?
Yes, although its efficacy is not 100%. It is recommended for all dogs living in high-risk areas. Your vet will explain the level of risk in your case and whether it is worthwhile.
Can my dog infect me?
No. A dog with leishmaniasis cannot transmit the disease to its owner, or to another dog or animal. Only the direct bite of the sandfly can cause the disease. In people it usually produces minor skin lesions; only in someone with a compromised immune system can it cause serious harm.
Does it affect cats?
Cats can contract it, although they appear to have a degree of natural resistance. Their signs are mainly lesions of the skin, mucous membranes or eyes, with the liver and kidneys less affected.
Is there a treatment?
Leishmaniasis has no cure: the parasite is never eliminated. But if it is caught early, the clinical signs can be treated and may even disappear entirely. That makes early detection essential: an annual Leishmania blood test is advisable, ideally in autumn or winter. Affected animals will have relapses, so they need periodic monitoring and recurrent treatment for life.
Frequently asked questions
When is the risk of leishmaniasis highest in Spain?
From May to October, peaking in June and September. Sandflies bite mainly at dawn and dusk.
Can leishmaniasis pass from a dog to a person?
No. It is transmitted only by the direct bite of the sandfly, never from dog to owner or from dog to dog.
Can leishmaniasis be cured?
No. The parasite is not eliminated, but with early detection the signs can be controlled and may disappear. It requires lifelong follow-up.
Is the vaccine effective?
Not 100%, but it is recommended for dogs living in high-risk areas. Discuss it with your vet.
Leishmaniasis means blood tests, recurrent treatment and lifelong monitoring. Petplan España (Petplan Ibérica, S.L.) reimburses 100% of the vet bill up to €3,100 a year, with a €45 excess, at any vet you choose, provided it is not a pre-existing condition — which is why cover should be arranged while the dog is healthy. See the policy terms.
