Leishmaniasis in imported dogs in the United Kingdom; a potential human health hazard

This paper describes the clinical and pathological features of leishmaniasis in three dogs imported into the U.K. Principal signs were wasting, lymphomegaly, keratoconjunctivitis, and extensive skin lesions that included exfoliative dermatitis and alopecia. Autopsy showed widespread chronic inflammatory lesions throughout lymphoid and other tissues associated with parasitized macrophages. The paper discusses the potential human health hazard posed by a zoonosis characterized by non‐specific signs and prolonged periods of quiescence. Euthanasia is recommended for cases positively diagnosed as leishmaniasis.