Canine leishmaniosis (CanL) is a major zoonotic disease found in more than 70 countries and has recently emerged in the United States. It appears that the breed most affected are Fox Hounds. The parasite is transmitted to dogs through the female sand fly and can be transmitted to humans as well.

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The country most affected by this disease is Brazil where millions of dogs are affected. It can be transmitted to puppies through the mother. This how researchers think that the Foxhounds in the US were infected, through breeding’s with infected bitches.

The good news is that the first clinical trial of the vaccine LeishTec™ in infected dogs shows that it can cure them of the disease. Previously LeishTec was used to prevent the disease. This discovery was made by the Morris Animal Foundation-funded researchers at the University of Iowa.

It is always good news when we learn of a treatment that not only saves dog’s lives and has secondary benefits to humans as well.