The FINANCIAL — Monheim, July 2, 2018 – Following a decentralized procedure national authorities in many European countries have recently given full approval for Seresto to be used to reduce the risk of canine leishmaniosis via transmission by sand flies for up to eight months, adding to the already comprehensive protection Seresto provides against ectoparasites and vector-borne diseases (VBDs).
Canine leishmaniosis, caused by the protozoan Leishmania infantum, is a vector-borne disease of great significance in both veterinary and medical fields, found in most continents. L. infantum is most commonly transmitted through the bite of sand flies and there is a growing concern among parasitologists that the distribution of the disease is increasing due to climate change and more frequent pet travel, accordingto Bayer.
“We are seeing more cases of canine leishmaniosis in areas where the disease had not previously been found”, comments Dr. Markus Edingloh, Head of Global Veterinary Scientific Affairs at Bayer Animal Health. “Dogs travelling and imported from endemic areas are of particular concern for introduction of the disease, while climatic change is contributing to the spread of the vector. It is therefore vital that veterinarians are aware of the disease and are recommending appropriate prevention for dogs travelling to, or living in, endemic areas.”
In dogs there are a wide range of potential clinical signs associated with leishmaniosis including generalised lymphadenopathy, weight loss, lethargy, pyrexia, cutaneous lesions, ocular lesions and neurological or vascular disorders, while the severity of disease can vary from mild to life threatening. In humans L. infantum tends to be responsible for the most severe form of leishmaniosis, visceral leishmaniasis, which can be fatal.
While distribution is worldwide, L. infantum is particularly prevalent in South America and the Mediterranean, with annual cases of zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis in people estimated to be 3,500 in Brazil and 875 in the Mediterranean.
In some areas over 80% of canine leishmaniosis cases may be asymptomatic. However these dogs, in addition to the dogs showing clinical disease, can still be responsible for the spread of disease, infecting 10-80% of the sand flies which bite them. Therefore prevention of infection to control spread is vital for both human and dog health, as clinical cases will not always be obvious.
The non-profit scientific association, LeishVet, 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, which contains imidacloprid and flumethrin in a slow release collar, has been found to significantly reduce the incidence of Leishmania infantum in dogs for up to eight months. Three clinical field studies, performed in endemic areas, indicated a significant reduction in the risk of Leishmania infantum transmission by sand flies in treated dogs compared to non-treated dogs. The efficacy in the reduction of the risk of infection with leishmaniosis ranged from 88.3 to 100%.
Seresto treats and prevents several species of ectoparasites, and with this new indication offers even greater indirect protection against a broad-spectrum of VBDs including ehrlichiosis, babesiosis, anaplasmosis and leishmaniosis by reducing the risk of transmission of their pathogens, 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, #8monthsoflove, which aims to raise awareness of canine VBDs and their prevention.
“Speaking with pet owners, we learnt that they identify Seresto as a preventative health care product”, Michael Wilson, Global Brand Manager of Seresto explains. “This presented the Global Brand Team with an opportunity to evolve Seresto from a functional flea and tick collar into a solution that supports the health and well being of pets and their owners.”
Acting on this insight the Global Brand Team worked on repositioning the brand to further distinguish it from other products on the market by showcasing how the brand plays an active role in pet owners’ lives – striving to prevent anything from getting in the way of everyday moments of shared happiness.
Because for responsible pet owners, there is nothing more important than knowing your pet is happy and healthy and enjoying the happy moments of life together.
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