![Leishmaniasis in Dogs: New Reporting Rules [2026]](https://d2qyp4pqjcr206.cloudfront.net/optimized/hero/dd375884-e3fc-4f1d-be92-15fb8378761a.webp)
When it comes to leishmaniasis in dogs (Canidae), laboratory detection is now officially notifiable in Germany following the revision of the Animal Disease Notification Ordinance (TierSeuchMeldV). Now, in August 2026, tens of thousands of families are returning from summer holidays in Southern Europe with their pets or welcoming rescue dogs from abroad. In veterinary clinics and online forums, the reporting requirement has caused some uncertainty: Do owners face official sanctions, quarantine, or travel bans? The short answer is no—yet the law introduces key veterinary considerations for diagnosis and prevention.
What exactly does the Animal Disease Notification Ordinance regulate?
Adding Leishmania infantum in dogs to Annex 3 (§ 4) of the Animal Disease Notification Ordinance primarily supports disease surveillance and the One Health approach under European animal health law (EU Regulation 2016/429). The goal of veterinary authorities—such as the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI) and local veterinary offices—is to build an accurate epidemiological picture of how vector-borne diseases are spreading in Germany.
For you as a dog owner, the most important distinctions are:
- No reporting duty for private individuals: As an owner, you aren't required to notify any authority. You don't need to fear mandatory quarantine or ownership restrictions.
- Reporting duty for laboratories and veterinarians: When veterinarians or diagnostic labs confirm a direct or indirect pathogen detection, they must report the case to the responsible local veterinary office.
- Careful evaluation of test results: Expert organizations like the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and the specialist board LeishVet emphasize that a purely serological antibody titre alone rarely confirms an active outbreak. A reliable diagnosis always requires an overall clinical evaluation and differentiated lab tests (such as PCR methods).
Why leishmaniasis surveillance is so important in 2026
Canine leishmaniasis was long considered strictly a "travel disease." However, with milder winters and hotter summers, the vectors—tiny sand flies of the genus Phlebotomus—are increasingly establishing themselves in warmer parts of Central Europe (such as the Rhine Valley). While local (autochthonous) infections in Germany remain rare, increased holiday travel and rescue dog imports from the Mediterranean region raise the entry of pathogens.
Regardless of individual breed susceptibility—you can learn more about specific breed characteristics and care needs in our comprehensive breed overview—any dog can contract the infection after being bitten.
Typical symptoms: When should you see a vet?
The incubation period of leishmaniasis is notoriously unpredictable, ranging from one month to several years. If you visited Italy, Spain, Greece, Southern France, or Portugal with your dog during the warmer months, watch for these warning signs:
- Skin abnormalities: Flaking, slow-healing sores on ear tips and the nose leather, as well as the characteristic "spectacle eyes" (hair loss around the eyes).
- General signs: Weight loss despite a normal diet, chronic fatigue, lameness, and swollen lymph nodes.
- Organ involvement: Kidney damage (indicated by increased drinking and urination) represents the greatest risk in chronic cases.
For further details on interpreting blood panels and travel profiles, consult the veterinary guidelines from ESCCAP Germany.
Practical advice for dog owners
- Plan post-travel screenings: If your dog was potentially exposed to sand flies during your trip, schedule a Mediterranean disease screening with your vet around six to eight weeks after returning home.
- Use repellents consistently: Before and during trips to high-risk areas, approved spot-ons or collars with a proven repellent effect against sand flies are essential.
- Keep dogs indoors overnight: Sand flies are active primarily at dusk and during the night. Avoid letting your dog sleep outside during these hours.
- Adjust the diet if diagnosed: If an infected dog requires medication such as allopurinol, a strictly low-purine diet is necessary to prevent the formation of xanthine urinary stones. You can find well-researched guidance on species-appropriate nutrition and healthcare in our education hub.
Summary
The updated Animal Disease Notification Ordinance gives veterinary authorities greater clarity, but it changes nothing about proven preventive care for responsible owners. At HonestDog, we champion transparency, high animal welfare standards, and dependable guidance—ensuring your dog stays well-protected at home and on your travels.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do I have to report my dog to the authorities if they test positive?
No. The Animal Disease Notification Ordinance requires only veterinarians and diagnostic laboratories to report confirmed pathogen detections. Pet owners do not need to notify any government offices.
Is a leishmaniasis-positive dog contagious to other pets or people?
Direct transmission from dog to dog or dog to human via saliva or normal daily contact is extremely unlikely. Infection occurs almost exclusively through the bite of an infected sand fly. However, because leishmaniasis is technically a zoonosis, open skin lesions should always be handled with appropriate hygiene.
Can leishmaniasis be cured?
Completely clearing the pathogen is rarely possible. However, with modern combination therapy and close veterinary monitoring, affected dogs can maintain a very high quality of life with excellent symptom management for many years.