Field randomized trial to evaluate the efficacy of the Leish-Tec® vaccine against canine visceral leishmaniasis in an endemic area of Brazil

Highlights • Randomized field trial (RTF) to demonstrate Leish-Tec® vaccine efficacy against canine visceral leishmaniasis. • A high transmission pressure and parasite challenge was assured for demonstrating vaccine efficacy. • Leish-Tec® vaccination was significant effective (71%) for prophylaxis of CVL. • Efficacy was higher among animals presenting with increased levels of anti-A2 antibodies (81%). • A tendency to reduced transmission of parasites to sand fly vectors was also observed among vaccinated animals.