{"id":2008,"date":"2026-02-18T08:29:21","date_gmt":"2026-02-18T07:29:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ibo.guide\/leishmaniasis-in-dogs-and-humans-risk-in-southern-europe-and-elsewhere-in-the-world\/"},"modified":"2026-03-23T08:28:11","modified_gmt":"2026-03-23T07:28:11","slug":"leishmaniasis-in-dogs-and-humans-risk-in-southern-europe-and-elsewhere-in-the-world","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ibo.guide\/en\/leishmaniasis-in-dogs-and-humans-risk-in-southern-europe-and-elsewhere-in-the-world\/","title":{"rendered":"Leishmaniasis in dogs and humans: a risk in southern Europe and beyond"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>If you\u2019re travelling with a dog to southern Europe \u2013 for example to southern <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ibo.guide\/en\/traveling-to-croatia-with-a-dog-entry-requirements-from-eu-and-non-eu-countries\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"1300\">Croatia<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ibo.guide\/en\/traveling-with-a-dog-from-the-eu-to-montenegro-what-you-need-to-know-and-how-it-looks-in-practice\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"996\">Montenegro<\/a>, Italy, Spain, Greece or Portugal \u2013 or to other warm, subtropical or tropical parts of the world, you should know about leishmaniasis.<\/p>\n\n<p>It\u2019s a parasitic disease found around the Mediterranean, but it\u2019s also present in parts of South and Central America, Africa, the Middle East and several regions of Asia.<\/p>\n\n<p>In Europe it\u2019s mainly found in warmer Mediterranean regions. In recent years it has appeared in parts of the Balkans, including southern Croatia. It\u2019s not something most tourists think much about, but the consequences for dogs can be serious.<\/p>\n\n<p>This article is a straightforward overview: what leishmaniasis is, how it spreads, the signs to watch for, and how to protect your dog.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-white ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ibo.guide\/en\/leishmaniasis-in-dogs-and-humans-risk-in-southern-europe-and-elsewhere-in-the-world\/#What_is_leishmaniasis\" >What is leishmaniasis<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ibo.guide\/en\/leishmaniasis-in-dogs-and-humans-risk-in-southern-europe-and-elsewhere-in-the-world\/#How_leishmaniasis_spreads\" >How leishmaniasis spreads<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ibo.guide\/en\/leishmaniasis-in-dogs-and-humans-risk-in-southern-europe-and-elsewhere-in-the-world\/#Leishmaniasis_and_transmission_to_humans\" >Leishmaniasis and transmission to humans<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ibo.guide\/en\/leishmaniasis-in-dogs-and-humans-risk-in-southern-europe-and-elsewhere-in-the-world\/#Symptoms_and_treatment_in_humans\" >Symptoms and treatment in humans<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ibo.guide\/en\/leishmaniasis-in-dogs-and-humans-risk-in-southern-europe-and-elsewhere-in-the-world\/#Signs_of_the_disease_in_dogs\" >Signs of the disease in dogs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ibo.guide\/en\/leishmaniasis-in-dogs-and-humans-risk-in-southern-europe-and-elsewhere-in-the-world\/#Prevention_how_to_protect_your_dog\" >Prevention: how to protect your dog<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ibo.guide\/en\/leishmaniasis-in-dogs-and-humans-risk-in-southern-europe-and-elsewhere-in-the-world\/#1_Vaccination_against_leishmaniasis\" >1. Vaccination against leishmaniasis<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ibo.guide\/en\/leishmaniasis-in-dogs-and-humans-risk-in-southern-europe-and-elsewhere-in-the-world\/#2_Repellent_protection_against_insects\" >2. Repellent protection against insects<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ibo.guide\/en\/leishmaniasis-in-dogs-and-humans-risk-in-southern-europe-and-elsewhere-in-the-world\/#3_Practical_measures\" >3. Practical measures<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ibo.guide\/en\/leishmaniasis-in-dogs-and-humans-risk-in-southern-europe-and-elsewhere-in-the-world\/#Should_the_average_traveller_be_worried\" >Should the average traveller be worried?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_leishmaniasis\"><\/span>What is leishmaniasis<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<p>Leishmaniasis is an infectious disease caused by parasites of the genus <em>Leishmania<\/em>. In dogs, the most common form affects the internal organs (visceral leishmaniasis).<\/p>\n\n<p>It can become chronic and, without treatment, significantly shortens a dog\u2019s lifespan and quality of life.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_leishmaniasis_spreads\"><\/span>How leishmaniasis spreads<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<p>Transmission occurs via tiny biting sand flies (phlebotomine flies). They thrive in warm climates and are especially active at dusk and at night.<\/p>\n\n<p>The mechanism is straightforward: a fly bites an infected dog, then bites another animal and passes on the parasite.<\/p>\n\n<p>Direct dog-to-dog or dog-to-human transmission through normal contact is not a typical route of spread.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Leishmaniasis_and_transmission_to_humans\"><\/span>Leishmaniasis and transmission to humans<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<p>Humans can be affected too, but infection usually occurs the same way as in dogs \u2014 through the bite of an infected sand fly, not by petting or ordinary contact with a dog. Although it is a zoonosis, it does not spread via saliva, touch or everyday contact with a dog.<\/p>\n\n<p>Direct transmission from a dog to a person without the involvement of a fly is considered extremely unlikely.<\/p>\n\n<p>For a healthy traveller the risk is low, but protecting your dog also matters for public health \u2014 an infected dog can serve as a reservoir of infection for other sand flies.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Symptoms_and_treatment_in_humans\"><\/span>Symptoms and treatment in humans<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p>In humans, leishmaniasis most often appears as slow-healing skin ulcers or nodules. Less commonly, a more serious form affects internal organs and presents with fever, fatigue and weight loss.<\/p>\n\n<p>Treatment is overseen by a physician using antiparasitic medicines and, with timely diagnosis, is usually successful. If you develop unusual symptoms after travel, be sure to tell your doctor about any stays in risk areas.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Signs_of_the_disease_in_dogs\"><\/span>Signs of the disease in dogs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<p>In dogs, onset is often slow and subtle. Signs may appear months after you return from holiday \u2014 one reason the disease can be so insidious.<\/p>\n\n<p>Common signs include:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>weight loss despite a normal appetite<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>lethargy and fatigue<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>enlarged lymph nodes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>skin issues (hair loss, scaly skin, slow-healing wounds)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>overgrown nails<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>kidney problems in advanced stages<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>Without treatment the disease can severely damage internal organs.<\/p>\n\n<p>Most veterinary laboratories can diagnose it from a blood sample. It\u2019s sensible to have your dog tested after returning from risk areas, or if your dog shows any of the signs above.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Prevention_how_to_protect_your_dog\"><\/span>Prevention: how to protect your dog<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<p>Prevention is key, especially if you\u2019re heading to warm coastal regions.<\/p>\n\n<p>Your main options are:<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Vaccination_against_leishmaniasis\"><\/span>1. Vaccination against leishmaniasis<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p>A vaccine is available that helps reduce the risk of developing disease. It does not provide full protection against infection, but it lowers the chance of a severe course.<\/p>\n\n<p>Plan vaccination well in advance, as it requires an initial dosing schedule. From our own experience, the vaccine is usually available mainly in countries and regions where the disease is truly present. Obtaining it outside those areas can be costly or even impossible. In Slovakia we tried to get the vaccine for our dog Ibo before flying to Paraguay and Bolivia, but we weren\u2019t successful. We couldn\u2019t get it in northern Croatia either; we were advised to try in Dubrovnik in the south of the country. In the end, we prioritised repellent protection over vaccination.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Repellent_protection_against_insects\"><\/span>2. Repellent protection against insects<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p>An important part of prevention is using:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>repellent antiparasitic collars<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>spot-on treatments that repel biting insects<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>These products lower the chance that an infected sand fly will bite your dog.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Practical_measures\"><\/span>3. Practical measures<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>limit your dog\u2019s time outdoors after dusk<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>don\u2019t let your dog sleep outside at night<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>use air-conditioned rooms or screened spaces<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Should_the_average_traveller_be_worried\"><\/span>Should the average traveller be worried?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<p>Leishmaniasis isn\u2019t a reason to panic or cancel your trip. But if you\u2019re travelling with a dog \u2014 especially to southern Europe \u2014 it\u2019s something you should be aware of.<\/p>\n\n<p>Good prevention greatly reduces the risk. If you\u2019re planning a longer stay in risk areas, discuss protection with your vet before you go.<\/p>\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you\u2019re travelling with a dog to southern Europe \u2013 for example to southern Croatia, Montenegro, Italy, Spain, Greece or Portugal \u2013 or to other warm, subtropical or tropical parts of the world, you should know about leishmaniasis. It\u2019s a &hellip; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2025,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","_seopress_titles_title":"Leishmaniasis in dogs and humans \u2022 a risk in southern Europe and worldwide \u2022 IBO Guide","_seopress_titles_desc":"Leishmaniasis in dogs is a travel risk in warmer regions. Learn where it occurs and how to protect your dog\u2014and yourself.","_seopress_robots_index":"","_seopress_analysis_target_kw":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[133,139,140,132],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2008","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-across-borders","category-general-tips","category-health-and-vet","category-with-a-dog","latest_post"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ibo.guide\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2008","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ibo.guide\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ibo.guide\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ibo.guide\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ibo.guide\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2008"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.ibo.guide\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2008\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3187,"href":"https:\/\/www.ibo.guide\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2008\/revisions\/3187"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ibo.guide\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2025"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ibo.guide\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2008"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ibo.guide\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2008"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ibo.guide\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2008"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}