The Prevalence of Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis in Armenia

Abstract

Visceral Leishmaniasis is a transmissible parasitic disease of canids and humans caused by the pathogens from protozoa genus. After a 30-year interval new cases of Visceral Leishmaniasis have been recorded in Armenia since 1999. From September 2015 up to March 2016 canine serological investigations were conducted through rapid diagnostic tests, as a result of which it has been found out that infestation rate in Syunik region makes 9.3 %, in Tavush region - 10.3 %, in Lori region - 11.1 %, while in
Yerevan the infectivity makes 4.1 % (on the whole - 7.5 %).
It is recommended to implement canine registration and conduct further investigations. It is necessary to intensify
the struggle against the stray dogs in particular, as well as to strengthen the interagency cooperation.