Antibodies to Leishmania in naturally exposed domestic ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) in Spain

Zoonotic leishmaniosis due to Leishmania infantum is a vector-borne disease endemic in southern Europe and dogs are the main reservoir for this infection. Seasonal variations antibody titers species areas where phlebotomine vectors have seasonal patterns of activity important epidemiological, preventive clinical studies related with canine leishmaniosis. It has been suggested that cats, rabbits ferrets may act as peridomestic reservoirs not only accidental hosts. The aim study was determine if seropositive (Mustela putorius furo) could be affected by anti-Leishmania antibodies. A group clinically healthy (n = 21) were included study. significant reduction antibodies detected during non-transmission period (December 2020-February 2021) comparison transmission (April-October 2020). This describes first time variation domestic following natural exposure sand fly non-sand Mediterranean area considered an L. endemic.