The first canine visceral leishmaniasis outbreak in Campinas, State of Sao Paulo Southeastern Brazil

Introduction: Early detection of American visceral leishmaniasis (AVL) outbreak in animals is crucial for controlling this disease in non-endemic areas. Methods: Epidemiological surveillance (2009-2012) was performed in Campinas, State of So Paulo, Brazil. Results: In 2009, Leishmania chagasi was positively identified in four dogs. Entomological research and three serological studies (2010-2012) were undertaken as monitoring measures; these approaches revealed a moderate prevalence of Leishmania present in 4% of the canine population. Nyssomyia whitmani and Lutzomyia longipalpis were the predominant species identified. Conclusions: Detection of an AVL outbreak in dogs in an area with an evolving natural landscape containing sand flies is crucial for control programs.