Worried pet owner protecting their dog from sandflies in Mexico, representing the threat of canine leishmaniasis.

Canine Leishmaniasis Detected in Northwestern Mexico: What Pet Owners Need to Know

Theo Raines in Health & Wellness June 2025 • 4 min read.

"First autochthonous cases highlight the importance of awareness and prevention in endemic areas."

Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease transmitted through the bite of sandflies. While known in other parts of Mexico, the recent discovery of autochthonous (locally acquired) canine leishmaniasis in Sinaloa marks a significant development. This means the disease is now circulating within the local dog population, posing new challenges for pet owners and veterinary professionals.

Originally published in Acta Tropica, a team of researchers, including Hipólito Castillo-Ureta and José Marcial Zazueta-Moreno, investigated three cases of canine leishmaniasis in Sinaloa, Mexico. The study confirmed the presence of Leishmania (L.) mexicana in the infected dogs, marking the first report of its kind in the region.

This article breaks down the key findings of the study, explaining what canine leishmaniasis is, how it's transmitted, the symptoms to watch out for, and the steps you can take to protect your beloved pets. We aim to provide clear, actionable information to help you stay informed and proactive about your dog's health.

What is Canine Leishmaniasis and How Does it Spread?

Worried pet owner protecting their dog from sandflies in Mexico, representing the threat of canine leishmaniasis.

Canine leishmaniasis is caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania. These parasites are transmitted through the bite of infected female sandflies. Dogs are considered primary hosts, meaning the parasite can live and reproduce within them, leading to potential health complications.

The transmission cycle typically involves the sandfly biting an infected animal (like a dog), ingesting the parasite, and then transmitting it to another animal during a subsequent bite. While human cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis (the form affecting the skin) caused by Leishmania mexicana have been reported in Sinaloa, the specific vectors (sandfly species) and other hosts involved in the region's transmission cycle remain unknown.

Sandflies: The primary vector, transmitting the parasite through their bite.
Infected Animals: Dogs and other mammals act as reservoirs, allowing the parasite to thrive.
Environmental Factors: Climate and habitat influence the sandfly population and disease spread.

Understanding the transmission cycle is crucial for implementing effective prevention and control measures. By targeting different stages of the cycle, such as controlling sandfly populations or protecting dogs from bites, we can reduce the risk of infection.

What Does This Discovery Mean for Pet Owners in Northwestern Mexico?

The detection of autochthonous canine leishmaniasis in Sinaloa is a call to action. Pet owners in the region, and even those in neighboring areas, should be vigilant about protecting their dogs from sandfly bites and recognizing potential symptoms. Early detection and treatment are crucial for managing the disease and improving your dog's quality of life. Consult your veterinarian about preventative measures and be aware of the clinical signs. Stay informed, stay proactive, and work together to keep our furry companions healthy and safe.

About this Article -

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Everything You Need To Know

What exactly is canine leishmaniasis?

Canine leishmaniasis is a disease caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania. These parasites are transmitted through the bite of infected female sandflies. Dogs are primary hosts, meaning the parasite can live and reproduce within them. This can lead to potential health complications if left untreated.

What does it mean when they say canine leishmaniasis is 'autochthonous'?

The detection of autochthonous canine leishmaniasis means that the disease is now circulating within the local dog population in Sinaloa, Mexico. This poses new challenges for pet owners because it indicates that dogs are contracting the disease locally, increasing the risk of infection for other dogs in the area. It's a signal to be extra vigilant about prevention and early detection.

How is canine leishmaniasis transmitted to dogs?

The parasite, Leishmania, is transmitted through the bite of infected female sandflies. These sandflies bite an infected animal, like a dog, ingest the parasite, and then transmit it to another animal during a subsequent bite. Factors such as the presence of infected animals, sandfly populations, climate, and habitat all influence the disease's spread. Understanding this cycle is crucial for implementing effective prevention methods.

What steps should pet owners take to protect their dogs from canine leishmaniasis?

Pet owners should be vigilant about protecting their dogs from sandfly bites by using insect repellents, keeping dogs indoors during peak sandfly activity (dusk and dawn), and maintaining clean environments to reduce sandfly breeding grounds. Regular veterinary check-ups are also vital for early detection and treatment. Recognizing potential symptoms and consulting with a vet promptly is key to managing the disease effectively.

What specific type of Leishmania was found, and are there still things that researchers don't know about the disease's spread?

The study identified Leishmania (L.) mexicana in infected dogs in Sinaloa, Mexico. While this species is known to cause cutaneous leishmaniasis (a skin-affecting form) in humans in the same region, the specific sandfly species responsible for transmitting the parasite and the other animal hosts involved in the transmission cycle are still unknown. Further research is needed to fully understand the dynamics of the disease in this region.