Várzea Grande leishmaniasis surge threatens pets and people

Várzea Grande, Brazil, long considered endemic for canine visceral leishmaniasis (LVC), is experiencing a sharp rise in cases. Veterinarian Luciano Miranda, technical head of the city's Centre for Zoonoses Control (CCZ VG), reported that from January to June this year nearly 500 dogs were tested for the disease. The increase is linked to urban expansion into forested areas, especially in the rapidly growing Jardim Maringá neighbourhood, bringing humans and pets closer to the sand‑fly vector Lutzomyia longipalpis.

The disease, caused by a Leishmania protozoan, does not spread directly between people or from dogs to humans but relies on the sand‑fly. Infected dogs often show weight loss despite normal appetite, non‑healing skin lesions and hair loss. Cases have now been identified in apartments, raising concerns about wider human exposure. Diagnosis follows Ministry of Health protocols, and euthanasia is performed only after confirmation.