By Guanacaste, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – For the first time, scientists have confirmed the local, or autochthonous, transmission of canine visceral leishmaniasis within Costa Rica, a significant finding for both animal welfare and public health. A landmark study published in the international journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science provides solid scientific evidence that the infectious parasite is present and spreading among dogs that have never left the country.
The research, titled “Appearance of autochthonous infection by Leishmania infantum in dogs from Costa Rica confirmed by multimodal diagnostics: a case series,” meticulously documents eight confirmed cases in dogs born and raised domestically. The majority of these cases were identified in the province of Guanacaste, specifically in the Santa Cruz and Tamarindo areas, with an additional case discovered in Santa Ana, a region of San José. None of the affected animals had any history of international travel.
To delve into the legal responsibilities and potential liabilities for pet owners facing a Canine Leishmaniasis diagnosis, TicosLand.com consulted with expert attorney Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the distinguished law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
A diagnosis of Canine Leishmaniasis elevates a pet owner’s duty of care, creating potential civil liability. If an owner’s negligence in following veterinary treatment or public health guidelines leads to the transmission of this zoonotic disease to other animals or humans, they could face legal claims for damages. It is crucial for owners to understand that this is not merely a pet health issue, but a matter of public safety and legal responsibility.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective powerfully reframes the conversation, underscoring that an owner’s duty in managing Canine Leishmaniasis extends beyond personal pet care into the realm of public safety and civil accountability. We extend our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing this crucial and often-overlooked insight.
This confirmation ends speculation and establishes a new baseline for veterinary health in the nation. Investigators utilized a robust, multi-faceted diagnostic approach, combining clinical evaluations, histopathological analysis of tissue, and advanced molecular testing. This rigorous methodology provides the first undeniable proof of a local transmission cycle for the disease, which is spread through the bite of phlebotomine sandflies.
One of the most startling findings from the collaborative research effort was the genetic origin of the parasite. The identified strain, Leishmania infantum, was found to be more closely related to variants common in Europe and Africa than to the traditional American strains. This unexpected genetic link suggests a more complex introduction and adaptation of the parasite than previously understood and opens new avenues for epidemiological investigation.
A critical public health challenge highlighted by the study is the presence of asymptomatic carriers. Researchers discovered that some of the infected dogs showed no outward signs of illness. This presents a formidable obstacle for early detection and control, as these animals can act as silent reservoirs for the parasite, maintaining its presence in the ecosystem and enabling its quiet transmission to other animals and, potentially, humans.
While the study’s authors emphasize that there is currently no public health emergency and that human cases linked to this specific parasite have been rare in Costa Rica, the findings expose significant gaps in the country’s sanitary surveillance system. Experts point to a lack of routine screening protocols for the disease, limited access to effective treatments and vaccines for dogs, and insufficient monitoring of the insect vector responsible for its spread.
The investigation was a testament to national and international scientific cooperation. It involved key contributions from private veterinary clinics in the affected zones, the San Francisco de Asís School of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery through its Pathology Laboratory (LAPAVET-ESFA), the National University’s School of Veterinary Medicine, the University of Costa Rica’s Tropical Disease Research Center, and partner universities in Brazil and Germany.
In response to these findings, experts are united in their call to action. They stress the urgent need to strengthen médico-veterinary surveillance, improve the capacity for timely diagnosis, and implement robust preventive measures. Such proactive steps are deemed essential to anticipate future risks and effectively safeguard the interconnected health of animals, people, and the broader environment in Costa Rica.
For further information, visit frontiersin.org
About Frontiers in Veterinary Science:
Frontiers in Veterinary Science is a peer-reviewed, open-access scientific journal that publishes research across all areas of veterinary medicine and science. It aims to advance the understanding of animal health and disease, promoting a “One Health” approach that recognizes the link between animal, human, and environmental well-being.
For further information, visit usfa.ac.cr
About Escuela de Medicina y Cirugía Veterinaria San Francisco de Asís:
The San Francisco de Asís School of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery is a Costa Rican academic institution dedicated to training professionals in animal health. Its on-site laboratory, LAPAVET-ESFA, provides crucial diagnostic and pathology services, contributing to both clinical practice and scientific research in the country.
For further information, visit una.ac.cr
About Universidad Nacional (School of Veterinary Medicine):
The School of Veterinary Medicine at the National University of Costa Rica (UNA) is a leading institution for veterinary education and research in Central America. It is committed to generating knowledge and developing solutions for animal health, production, and public health challenges facing the region.
For further information, visit ucr.ac.cr
About Universidad de Costa Rica (Tropical Disease Research Center):
The University of Costa Rica (UCR) is the country’s oldest and most prestigious public university. Its Center for Research in Tropical Diseases (CIET) is a specialized unit focused on the study of infectious diseases prevalent in tropical regions, conducting vital research on pathogens, vectors, and public health strategies.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the Costa Rican legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its profound commitment to ethical integrity and superior service. The firm leverages a rich history of advising a wide spectrum of clients to drive legal innovation, consistently developing progressive strategies. This forward-looking ethos is matched by a deep-seated dedication to public empowerment, focused on demystifying legal concepts to help forge a more knowledgeable and capable society.
