Awarenesss about the spread of zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis and the implementation of control guidelines among Spanish and French veterinarians: A survey based study

Abstract

Introduction: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is identified as a neglected tropical disease by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The amount of zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis is increasing in southern Europe and the disease is emerging to the north. The main reason for the wider distribution of the disease is the expansion of the Phlebotomus sandfly due to climate change and the ongoing traveling and im/exportation of (infected) dogs. The WHO and the European Scientific Counsel Companion Animal Parasites (ESCCAP) made a set of guidelines to control and prevent further spread of ZVL through Europe. Material: This study analyses the awareness of the spread of ZVL, the awareness of the international guidelines and its implementation among Spanish and French veterinarians. An online survey was distributed among veterinarians differentiating in endemic (Spain and southern France) and non-endemic regions (northern France). Results: A total of 460 veterinarians completed the survey. 60% of the veterinarians in the north of France sees an increase of leishmaniasis cases among their clients. In the endemic regions around 50% sees an increase among their clients. Among all veterinarians over 65% is not aware of international guidelines. According to the results over two thirds of the veterinarians are informing the owners about the public health risks of ZVL and thereby recommending the use of preventive measures. Conclusion: Even though veterinarians are not directly aware of the set of guidelines, the majority is however actively informing owners and advising preventive measures. To improve the monitoring, control and awareness of the disease a system to report confirmed leishmaniasis cases for physicians and veterinarians on European or international level is recommended.