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Leishmaniasis in dogs: local cases in the Canaries and resistance

Photo: Unsplash (free licence).

Quick answer: canine leishmaniasis remains a challenge in Spain. In September 2026, vets in Tenerife presented 16 locally acquired cases in dogs in the Canary Islands, and in August a Spanish study reported resistance markers to some of the main treatments. There is no cause for alarm, but it is a good reason to step up sandfly protection and regular vet check-ups.

Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease spread by the bite of a tiny insect, the sandfly. Spain is among the European countries where it is most common and, because the disease can take a long time to show, prevention is the most effective and most affordable tool.

Locally acquired cases in the Canary Islands

On 17 September 2026, around 150 professionals attended the Technical Days on Leishmaniasis in the Canary Islands, organised by the Veterinary Association of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. A study of dogs examined between January 2023 and June 2026 was presented there: 243 tested positive by indirect immunofluorescence and, of these, 16 were considered locally acquired, meaning dogs of Canarian origin that had never left the islands or received blood transfusions.

The experts called for calm but also for more surveillance, and for vets to keep the disease in mind when diagnosing, including on the islands.

A study finds resistance markers

As the Alicante Veterinary Association pointed out in August 2026, a Spanish study published this year, involving the Autonomous University of Barcelona and the Catholic University of Valencia, found genetic resistance markers to some of the main treatments for canine leishmaniasis in more than 24% of the heavily parasitised dogs analysed. All the more reason to focus on prevention and to always leave the follow-up of a sick dog to the vet.

How to protect your dog this autumn

  • Sandfly protection: talk to your vet about the most suitable product for your dog and where you live. Check the leaflet to make sure it repels sandflies, and stick to the renewal date.
  • Walks: in the milder months, avoid the times when the insect is most active, especially dusk and night-time.
  • Check-ups: ask your vet how often screening tests are advisable.
  • Watch the skin and coat: sores that will not heal, hair loss around the eyes, very long claws or weight loss are all reasons to book an appointment.
  • Never use dog collars or spot-ons on cats: some of their ingredients are toxic to cats.

See more external parasite treatments for dogs and worming tablets for dogs.

Frequently asked questions

Can people catch leishmaniasis from a dog?

Not through direct contact. It is spread by the bite of infected sandflies. Protecting your dog from the insect is also a public health measure.

Is the risk over in autumn?

It depends on the area and the temperature. In mild regions sandflies can stay active in autumn, so do not stop protection without checking with your vet.

What symptoms should I look out for?

Skin lesions, hair loss, flaking skin, fast-growing claws, weight loss or tiredness. If you notice any of these, book an appointment.

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