Studies on canine leishmaniasis control. 2. Effectiveness of control measures against canine leishmaniasis in the Isle of Elba, Italy.

A serological and parasitological survey carried out in 1985 in the Isle of Elba, Italy, revealed a high prevalence of canine leishmaniasis. This focus was considered ideal for the evaluation of effectiveness of treating infected dogs with meglumine antimoniate, applied as a control measure during 1985 and 1986. New data on prevalence were obtained for the years 1986 and 1987. Incidence of new canine leishmaniasis cases after the transmission seasons 1984, 1985 and 1986 were determined by examining 2 cohorts: cohort I, dogs born within 2 transmission seasons, and cohort II, adult dogs examined and found to be negative before each transmission season. Over 2000 tests were carried out on 1500 dogs. Prevalence analysis showed a reduction of infective dogs (symptomatic and oligosymptomatic) from 14.4% in 1985 to 5.2% in 1987. Incidence analysis showed a decrease of new cases from 12.4% after transmission season 1984 to 4.6% after transmission season 1987. The results indicate a two-thirds reduction of the disease frequency in dogs of the Isle of Elba after a 2-year period of control measures.