• Bayer is a leading sponsor of the 30th European College of Veterinary Dermatology (ECVD) Congress
• Cutaneous lesions are the most common finding in cases of canine leishmaniosis and awareness of the clinical signs is vital for all veterinarians
• The congress marks the launch of Seresto’s new indication to reduce the risk of infection with Leishmania infantum in dogs for up-to eight months

Monheim/ Dubrovnic, October 1^st, 2018 – 
This week, at the 30^th European College of Veterinary Dermatology (ECVD) Congress, Bayer, alongside a leading parasitologist, has highlighted the importance of preventing canine leishmaniosis, given its spread across South America and Southern Europe.¹
 
The annual ECVD congress, held this year in Dubrovnic, brings together specialist dermatologists and veterinarians from across the globe to discuss the latest developments in the field. The opening topic of the congress focussed on the vector-borne disease (VBD) canine leishmaniosis, namely its diagnosis, treatment and prevention.
 
Most commonly transmitted through the bite of sand flies, canine leishmaniosis is becoming an increasingly important global disease. Its distribution is increasing due to climate change and more frequent pet travel, requiring veterinarians to be vigilant, not only in endemic areas but also in dogs adopted from such areas or with a history of travel.
 
While in some areas over 80% of cases are asymptomatic¹, in clinical cases the dermatological manifestation of canine leishmaniosis is the most common presentation, and in up to 21% of cases may be the only finding on clinical examination.²
 
European veterinary specialist, Professor Patrick Bourdeau, who presented at the congress, said: ‘’It is important that veterinarians are comfortable with recognising the clinical signs associated with canine leishmaniosis. Dermatological lesions are a common finding, but the variability of these lesions can confuse matters, especially if the veterinarian has not seen cases previously. In dogs with a history of travel I’d always recommend testing.’’
 
Beyond vigilance, effective prevention of leishmaniosis was identified as a key strategy for veterinarians to adopt. Seresto^Ò, which contains imidacloprid and flumethrin in a slow release collar, has recently been approved in many European countries to reduce the risk of canine leishmaniosis via transmission by sand flies for up to eight months in dogs.
 
The claim is based on large scale clinical field studies, performed in endemic areas, that demonstrated a significant reduction in the risk of Leishmania infantum transmission by sand flies in dogs treated with Seresto^Ò compared to non-treated dogs. The efficacy in the reduction of the risk of infection with leishmaniosis in theses studies ranged from 88.3 to 100%.^3-5
 
Professor Bourdeau also commented on the importance of prevention: ‘’While knowing how to recognise and diagnose canine leishmaniosis is vital, preventing infection in the first place should be paramount to veterinarians. With the high prevalence of asymptomatic carriers, and the fact that clinical cases are not always straightforward to diagnose, preventing infection is key in controlling the spread of the disease.’’
 
This is echoed by the non-profit scientific association LeishVet, who recommends that prevention should include the use of a long-acting topical insecticide throughout the period of sand fly activity, stating: ‘‘Long-acting topical insecticides applied to dogs living in or travelling to endemic areas should be maintained during the entire risk period of potential exposure to/or activity of sand flies.’’
 
Seresto^Ò treats and prevents several species of ectoparasites, helping to prevent a range of parasitic related skin conditions. With this new indication Seresto^Ò offers an even greater spectrum of protection, not only against these parasites but also indirectly against transmission of a broad spectrum of pathogens, thereby reducing the risk of VBDs such as ehrlichiosis, babesiosis, and leishmaniosis, making it the ideal choice for clinicians wanting to provide comprehensive protection.
 
The long-lasting efficacy for up to eight months is central to the new campaign from Bayer Animal Health, #8monthsoflove, underlining Seresto’s unique selling proposition in comparison to other products in that category.