The Canary Islands are no longer the isolated refuge from certain diseases that affect our pets. For decades, the archipelago was considered safe from the internal transmission of leishmaniasis, a parasitic disease that causes major concern among dog owners in the rest of Spain and the Mediterranean basin due to its severity.
However, a recent study conducted by experts from the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC) has overturned this perception. Preliminary data from this research confirm that the parasite is already actively circulating among the local canine population, with cases detected in animals that have never crossed the archipelago's borders to travel to the Peninsula or the Balearic Islands.
A paradigm shift in island veterinary health
The research, led by Professor Alberto Montoya, has analyzed a sample of approximately 800 dogs at various veterinary centers across the islands. Although the study continues to collect samples to provide a definitive statistical analysis, the current results are revealing: nearly a 10% of the animals analyzed They have tested positive in the detection tests, which shows that the pathogen is more present than initially suspected.
The most significant aspect of this finding is the identification of 13 strictly autochthonous cases. This means that these dogs contracted the disease without ever having left their usual environment on the islands, which scientifically confirms that the sand fly, the transmitting insectIt is already infecting animals within the Canary Islands. To date, these local outbreaks have been confirmed in Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote.
The presence of this vector, a small insect similar to a mosquito but smaller, has been known in Canary Island ecosystems for decades, but its capacity for local transmission had not been demonstrated until now. Factors such as Climate change and constant movement Pets have created the ideal scenario for the disease to take hold in an area that was previously considered risk-free.
Despite this data, the Veterinary Association of Santa Cruz de Tenerife has called for calm. The professionals emphasize that, although the news is relevant from a health perspective, There is no need to panic. among animal owners. The goal now is to focus on epidemiological surveillance and to implement the preventative protocols that are already working successfully in other regions of Spain.
Health risks and symptoms to watch out for
Leishmaniasis, caused by the parasite Leishmania infantumThis is not a condition to be taken lightly, as it can be fatal for dogs if not diagnosed promptly. Symptoms usually appear months after the bite and often begin with skin and hair problemssuch as peeling, scabs, non-healing ulcers, or excessive nail growth.
If the disease progresses, the parasite can affect vital organs, causing severe kidney failure, severe anemia, and eye damage. It is important to remember that while existing treatments are effective in controlling symptoms, in many cases they do not completely eliminate the parasite, making the disease life-threatening. disease in a chronic condition which will require lifelong veterinary check-ups for the affected animal.
Furthermore, it's important to remember that this is a zoonosis, meaning that the sand fly can also transmit the parasite to humans. In people, it usually manifests as a skin lesion known as "Oriental Sore," although it can be especially dangerous for vulnerable profiles or patients with weakened immune systems. Across Spain, the trend in human cases is on the rise, with 473 reported cases in 2024 and 140 cases registered so far in 2026.
Prevention as a fundamental tool
Given this new situation in the Canary Islands, the veterinary community insists that prevention is the best weapon. Specific vaccines exist which, although they do not guarantee 100% protection against infection, are essential for drastically reduce gravity of the disease and the mortality rate if the dog becomes infected.
Additionally, the use of external repellents, such as anti-parasitic collars and spot-on treatments, is recommended to prevent insects from biting the animal. It is also advisable Avoid walks at dawn and the evening, which are the times of greatest activity of the sand fly, and remember that conventional antiparasitic pills against fleas or ticks are not usually effective against this specific vector.
Information sessions are expected to be organized next September to coordinate contingency plans with health authorities and professionals in the sector. The goal is to halt the expansion of the chain of infections taking advantage of the fact that the Canary Islands are still in an initial phase where prevention can make the difference compared to areas where the disease is already endemic.
The confirmation that leishmaniasis is now being transmitted locally in the archipelago represents a significant change in the care of our pets, but the experience accumulated on the Iberian Peninsula gives us the necessary tools to act. Staying well-informed, attend regular check-ups Following the multimodal protection guidelines recommended by experts are essential steps to ensure our dogs continue to enjoy a healthy and safe life on the islands.
