CASES OF LEISHMANIASIS AMONG STRAY DOGS IN SETTLEMENTS OF THE SYUNIK AND ARARAT REGIONS OF ARMENIA

Abstract

Our research is devoted to the study of the prevalence of leishmaniasis (on the example of identified cases) in stray dogs in the Syunik and Ararat Regions of Armenia. In May 2022, in the settlements of the Syunik and Ararat Regions of the Republic, we examined five stray dogs, outbred females aged from 6 months to 2 years for leishmaniasis. One dog was examined in the cities of Meghri, Kapan and in the village of Tegh, Syunik Region. Two dogs were examined in the village of Yeraskh, Ararat Region. Our studies have shown that the invasion prevalence (IP) in the population of stray dogs in the Syunik and Ararat Regions of Armenia is 100%. The examined animals looked quite healthy and felt good. Skin lesions in the form of epithelium desquamation on the nose were only recorded in one dog (20%) in Kapan, Syunik Region. Thus, we confirmed that in the Syunik and Ararat Regions of Armenia, a local natural focus of leishmaniasis is actively functioning, in the spread of which stray dogs are actively involved, which indicates the circulation of parasites in the study area and the possibility of infection of other animals and humans through carriers. Prevention and control measures of leishmaniasis should include measures to control the number of stray dogs, control the incidence in domestic dogs using serological tests, and measures to destroy mosquito breeding sites.