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

Early detection of American visceral leishmaniasis (AVL) outbreak in animals is crucial for controlling this disease in non-endemic areas. Epidemiological surveillance (2009-2012) was performed in Campinas, State of São Paulo, Brazil. 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. Detection of an AVL outbreak in dogs in an area with an evolving natural landscape containing sand flies is crucial for control programs.