okdiario.com
Ni por el sueño ni los ladridos: un veterinario explica por qué tu perro debe d…
Un veterinario alerta del riesgo de dejar luz encendida donde duerme tu perro: atrae a éste insecto que transmite la leishmaniosis
128
2k
342
74k
Veterinarian Debunks Leishmaniasis Myth: It's Not Mosquitoes, But Sandflies
Valencia, Spain – A recent educational video by Guaita Veterinaris, a veterinary clinic in Xàtiva, Valencia, clarifies a widespread misunderstanding regarding the transmission of leishmaniasis in pets. Veterinarian Javier Guaita explains that contrary to popular belief, mosquitoes are not the vectors of this significant disease; instead, it is transmitted by phlebotomine sandflies. Guaita detailed that sandflies, unlike mosquitoes, are primarily found in areas rich in decomposing organic matter, such as piles of drying grass, tree hollows, and uncollected fruit in orchards. He also noted their attraction to light, advising pet owners against leaving their dogs sleeping near illuminated areas at night, as this could inadvertently attract sandflies. "Many people try to avoid humid areas thinking about mosquitoes, but sandflies prefer places with decaying organic material," Guaita stated. He further explained that the sandfly's small size and susceptibility to wind facilitate its wide distribution, contributing to leishmaniasis being a common and widespread disease, particularly in the Mediterranean basin. The veterinarian attributed the common association of mosquitoes with leishmaniasis to marketing strategies, noting that products marketed against "mosquitoes" are more readily purchased than those specifically targeting "sandflies," an insect less familiar to the general public. "If I tell you a product is against mosquitoes, you'll think, 'Oh, mosquitoes are biting me, they might bite my dog, I need this product.' But if I say it's against sandflies, people might not know what that is," he concluded, emphasizing the importance of accurate information for effective pet care.
