We have been notified of a new case of Imported Canine Leishmaniasis in Ontario – this dog originated in Iran & arrived in Toronto – it was vetted on arrival. facebook/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fovma.org%2Fpdf%2Fadvisory_leishmaniasis_aug12.pdf&h=lAQG4-crm Disease Advisory: Imported Canine Leishmaniasis Cases in Ontario On August 1, 2012, Health Canada notified the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care of imported cases of canine leishmaniasis in Canada. A rescue group has been importing dogs from Greece (where leishmaniasis is enzootic) and at least two have been diagnosed with leishmaniasis. One dog is believed to be residing in the Toronto area. Under CFIA regulations, the only requirement for importing dogs into Canada is a valid rabies vaccination, unless the animal is less than 8 months old, in which case an import permit and veterinary inspection is required. The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) would like to request that the veterinary community consider leishmaniasis, among other diseases such as rabies, in their list of rule-outs when examining cases of disease in dogs with a history of importation from endemic countries. With the exception of Antarctica, Leishmania spp. have been reported on every continent. These organisms are primarily endemic in tropical and sub-tropical regions, such as the Mediterranean and the Middle East. In North America, leishmaniasis is endemic in the southern US states and in Mexico. Leishmaniasis, resulting from infection by various species of Leishmania, a protozoan parasite, is a vector borne zoonotic infection that infects humans, dogs, and other mammals. There are both cutaneous and visceral forms. Infected dogs may be asymptomatic; clinical signs may include epistaxis, weight loss, muscle atrophy, seizures, alopecia, dermal lesions, swollen limbs and joints, and renal failure, leading to death. In a 2000-2003 survey, canine leishmaniasis caused by L. infantum and occurring mainly in Foxhounds was reported in Ontario. Human cases were not linked to these animals. Transmission among foxhounds and other breeds such as Neapolitan Mastiffs appears to be limited to direct dog-to-dog mechanisms, such as biting, reusing needles for injections and breeding. Vertical transmission has also been demonstrated. Dogs are reservoirs for human infection and the parasites are usually transmitted between hosts by phlebotomine sandflies (Lutzomyia or Phlebotomus spp.). There is little data available on the habitat range of these insects within Ontario, although they are present in the United States. If the vector range expands further north due to climate change, the probability of human exposure in Canada will be significantly increased. There is the potential for dog to human blood borne transmission via needle stick injury or some other exposure to canine blood, but, to date, that has not been demonstrated. Canine vaccines are available in some countries, but they are not 100% protective. Currently, no cure exists for canine leishmaniasis, but various treatment options are available. Dogs must be treated for life. The Animal Health Laboratory at the University of Guelph provides testing for leishmaniasis (PCR and serology) through an external laboratory. Veterinarians may wish to remind clients who may be prospective importers that they should discuss infectious disease issues, such as leishmaniasis, with their veterinarian first in order to avoid importing animals that may subsequently become sick or spread diseases to animals or people in Canada and to prevent the cost of treating such diseases in their new pets. Leishmaniasis in humans is not a reportable disease under Ontario’s Health Protection and Promotion Act, and public health officials are not aware of any human cases acquired to date in Ontario or associated with imported dogs. The most common form of human leishmaniasis is localized cutaneous leishmaniasis, which usually appears as one or more painless ulcers. Visceral leishmaniasis is more severe and, without treatment, is nearly always fatal. . Questions with respect to veterinary public health issues or responses in Ontario should be directed to: Dr. Catherine Filejski, Public Health Veterinarian Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Tel. (416) 212-0424 Blackberry: (416) 427-7944 e-mail: [email protected] Questions with respect to animal health issues or responses in Ontario should be directed to: Dr. Janet Alsop Lead Veterinarian – Regulatory Response Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Tel. (519) 826-4323 e-mail: [email protected]
Posted on: Tue, 04 Nov 2014 16:47:47 +0000
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