Zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis (VL) caused by Leishmania infantum has been reported recently in central Israel and in the Galilee region of northern Israel. A seroepidemilogical study to examine the prevalence of VL among domestic and wild canids in Israel was carried out during 1999-2000 to assess the spread of the disease and the possible association between infection in dogs, wild canids and people. Anti-leishmanial antibodies were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Serum samples (n=790) were collected from domestic dogs in municipal pounds, society for prevention of cruelty to animals (SPCA) kennels, military camps, and veterinary hospitals.

Surveys were also performed among dog populations in three villages that are known foci of VL (n=146). Wild canid sera were supplied by the Natural Reserves Authorities and included samples from jackals (Canis aureus n=158), foxes (Vulpes vulpes n=93) and wolves (Canis lupus n=16).

Out of a total of 1,203 animals sampled, 43 (3.6%) were positive. Only 0.76% (6/790) of the domestic dogs sampled randomly from locations that were not previously recognized as disease foci were seropositive, while 15% of the dogs from endemic villages were infected. The seroprevalence among wild canids was 5.6% with most of the positive sera originating from jackals (7.6% positive). Passive surveillance, which included testing of samples sent by referring veterinary practitioners to our laboratory during 1999-2000, identified 18 new locations in villages and cities throughout central and northern Israel where infected dogs (n=22) were diagnosed.

We conclude that the transmission of canine VL in Israel appears to be multifocal. Although the disease is in general restricted to specific foci and less likely to be found among dogs living elsewhere. The passive detection of infected dogs indicates that these transmission foci are numerous and are spread throughout different geographical regions and habitats. Visceral leishmaniasis appears to be prevalent in wild canid populations that may constitute an important natural reservoir for L. infantum in our region.