Health

​The Club and the Society are extremely concerned at the recent reports of the increase in Leishmaniasis in the breed.  Some members of the club, including the Chairman, already have firsthand experience of this devastating disease through dogs which were imported with this pre-existing condition. They have done everything in their power to control its spread by treating and neutering the affected dogs.  However, as we will discuss, this does not only apply to imported dogs and while there is no need to panic, but owners also need to be aware of certain factors affecting the breed.

​

Causes:

This condition is caused by a parasite that is most commonly spread by the bite of a sand fly in Mediterranean climates.  However, it is important to know that there are other vectors for transmission.  The parasite can be passed through infected blood, during mating (venereal), or from a mother to her puppies during pregnancy (vertical).  This has huge implications for anyone wishing to breed from their Bracco.  Because the parasite can "hide" in a dog’s system for a long time without showing symptoms, clear protocols are essential for keeping the breed healthy.  

 

If You Import a Bracco:

People may have unknowingly imported infected dogs originally hoping to breed.  However, knowing that there is a high possibility of Leishmaniasis passing from an infected dog to the puppies, neutering is the only safe option.

If your dog has lived in or travelled through the Mediterranean countries, a clear health certificate at the time of travel is only the first step.  We recommend you test your Bracco on import and again 6 months after arrival in the UK.  This covers the long incubation period where the parasite might be present but not yet detectable.

 

If You Intend to Breed from Your Dogs Including UK Bred Braccos:

Potential breeders must be aware that UK bred dogs, as well as imports, can be infectious because of the other vectors described above.  Therefore, any potential breeder with UK bred as well as imported dogs needs to test before breeding, so as not to infect the UK breeding pool.  The Club suggests that all potential breeders contact their own Vet to test their dogs/bitches via the 2 most effective (though not the only) testing methods: 

 

ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay), a commonly used quantitative serological method for detecting antibodies against Leishmania infantum in dogs, often used for diagnosis and monitoring. It effectively measures IgG levels to aid in managing this potentially fatal, vector-borne disease, especially when matched with clinical signs like lymphadenopathy or skin.

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) is a highly sensitive and specific diagnostic method for canine leishmaniasis, used to detect Leishmania parasite DNA in infected dogs. It is particularly useful for identifying asymptomatic carriers, confirming infection in suspected cases, and detecting the parasite in tissues like lymph nodes, bone marrow, or skin lesion.

​

Positive Dogs:

If a dog tests positive for Leishmania, they should be retired from breeding. This prevents the risk of passing the infection to a mate or to an entire litter of puppies.  Any existing puppies could be infected and should not therefore be used for breeding.

 

If a Parent is Positive:

If you own a puppy born to a parent that was Leishmania positive, do not panic, but do act.  The puppy should be tested early and monitored regularly by a vet familiar with the disease.  In terms of long-term care, some puppies may carry the parasite but stay healthy for years.  Knowing their status early allows you to provide the right diet and medical support to keep their immune system strong.  With the appropriate care infected dogs can be helped to live a normal life.

 

Further information on Leishmaniasis can be found at:

​

https://www.leishvet.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/FS-LeishVetC.pdf

​