Seroprevalence and associated factors of Leishmania infantum in small ruminants in Portugal
Quintas, Hélder ; Lebrero, María Eugenia (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Jacob-Ferreira, João ; Quilez, Pablo (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Guallar, David (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Coelho, Ana Cláudia ; Lacasta, Delia (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Marteles-Aragüés, Diana (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Ruíz, Héctor (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Ruiz de Arcaute, Marta (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Cardoso, Luís ; Villanueva-Saz, Sergio (Universidad de Zaragoza)
Resumen: Background
Leishmaniosis is a vector-borne disease caused by Leishmania parasites transmitted by infected phlebotomine sand flies. In the epidemiological study reported here, we investigated exposure to Leishmania infantum in sheep (Ovis aries) and goats (Capra hircus) in mainland Portugal.
Methods
A cross-sectional serosurvey was conducted in three geographical regions of Portugal (Trás-os-Montes, Centre and South), with sampling in 19 municipalities and 87 localities.
Results
A total of 2124 small ruminants were tested (1820 sheep and 304 goats). Overall seroprevalence was 21.3% (453/2124; 95% confidence interval [CI] 19.6–23.1), with higher seropositivity in sheep than goats (22.4% vs 15.1%). Univariable analysis showed that ruminant species and reported contact between goats and sheep were statistically associated with seropositivity, but these associations were not detected in the subset of 1851 animals used for multivariable modelling. Rather, multivariable logistic regression analysis (n = 1851) showed that several management and biosecurity factors were linked to an increased risk of infection. Increased odds of infection were observed in non-autochthonous breeds (odds ratio [OR] 2.163), holdings without goat–sheep contact (OR 1.920), high aeration/ventilation (OR 1.964), suboptimal drinking fountain hygiene (OR up to 6.221), biannual versus annual disinfection (OR 2.459) and not using equipment from other farms (OR 2.189). Permanent confinement was protective (OR 0.415).
Conclusions
These results indicate widespread exposure of Portuguese flocks to L. infantum, highlighting the relevance of husbandry practices. Further research is needed to determine whether sheep and goats develop clinical disease and to clarify the implications for animal and public health.
Idioma: Inglés
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-026-07424-y
Año: 2026
Publicado en: Parasites & vectors 19, 1 (2026), [11 pp.]
ISSN: 1756-3305
Tipo y forma: Article (Published version)
Área (Departamento): Área Sanidad Animal (Dpto. Patología Animal)
Área (Departamento): Área Medicina y Cirugía Animal (Dpto. Patología Animal)
You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use.
Exportado de SIDERAL (2026-06-03-11:05:28)
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Leishmaniosis is a vector-borne disease caused by Leishmania parasites transmitted by infected phlebotomine sand flies. In the epidemiological study reported here, we investigated exposure to Leishmania infantum in sheep (Ovis aries) and goats (Capra hircus) in mainland Portugal.
Methods
A cross-sectional serosurvey was conducted in three geographical regions of Portugal (Trás-os-Montes, Centre and South), with sampling in 19 municipalities and 87 localities.
Results
A total of 2124 small ruminants were tested (1820 sheep and 304 goats). Overall seroprevalence was 21.3% (453/2124; 95% confidence interval [CI] 19.6–23.1), with higher seropositivity in sheep than goats (22.4% vs 15.1%). Univariable analysis showed that ruminant species and reported contact between goats and sheep were statistically associated with seropositivity, but these associations were not detected in the subset of 1851 animals used for multivariable modelling. Rather, multivariable logistic regression analysis (n = 1851) showed that several management and biosecurity factors were linked to an increased risk of infection. Increased odds of infection were observed in non-autochthonous breeds (odds ratio [OR] 2.163), holdings without goat–sheep contact (OR 1.920), high aeration/ventilation (OR 1.964), suboptimal drinking fountain hygiene (OR up to 6.221), biannual versus annual disinfection (OR 2.459) and not using equipment from other farms (OR 2.189). Permanent confinement was protective (OR 0.415).
Conclusions
These results indicate widespread exposure of Portuguese flocks to L. infantum, highlighting the relevance of husbandry practices. Further research is needed to determine whether sheep and goats develop clinical disease and to clarify the implications for animal and public health.
Idioma: Inglés
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-026-07424-y
Año: 2026
Publicado en: Parasites & vectors 19, 1 (2026), [11 pp.]
ISSN: 1756-3305
Tipo y forma: Article (Published version)
Área (Departamento): Área Sanidad Animal (Dpto. Patología Animal)
Área (Departamento): Área Medicina y Cirugía Animal (Dpto. Patología Animal)
You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use. Exportado de SIDERAL (2026-06-03-11:05:28)
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Record created 2026-06-03, last modified 2026-06-03