Download Leishmaniasis - Cinciripini`s Neapolitan Mastiffs

Leishmaniasis - Cinciripini's Neapolitan Mastiffs
In January 2009, the AKC CHF awarded a grant (AKC CHF #122A) to Iowa State University to
continue monitoring the incidence of Leishmaniasis in the Neapolitan Mastiff. This is the first
award granted for research targeted specifically to the Neapolitan Mastiff.
Leishmaniasis (LESH-ma-NIGH-ah-sis) is a disease which was first identified in Italy in 1903
and in 1940 it was "Leishmaniasis can be passed from dam to puppies, in geographic
areas where the sandfly exists the disease can be spread via the fly to humans and other
dogs"
determined that 40% of all dogs in Rome were positive for
Leishmaniasis. A 2007 Study of dogs in Southern Italy revealed 29.9% of kennel dogs
seropositive for Leishmaniasis. Current studies indicate a rise of Leishmaniasis in S. America as
well.
Since a significant number of Neapolitan Mastiffs enter the United States from Italy it is
important for breeders and owners to be aware of this disease and participate in testing.
Leishmaniasis can be passed from dam to puppies, in geographic areas where the sandfly
exists the disease can be spread via the fly to humans and other dogs.
This project has recently led to another study involving the National Institute of Health and
reclaimed researcher Dr. Ostrander. Neapolitan Mastiff Samples collected at ISU, after being
tested for L.infantum, are being sent to Dr. Ostrander for the creation of a Neapolitan Mastiff
Genome project.
A genome project is the first step in identifying any genetic diseases, understanding immune
function and much more. 50 unrelated samples are needed for the success of this project.
We are hoping that more neapolitan mastiff owners and breeders will choose to participate in
this research, personally we have donated and tested every mastini we own.
Lisa has been passionately involved with this project and has received criticism from other
breeders that this is a project that is "not important" in our breed. Recently proven is
the transmission of disease from dam to puppies, disregarding this disease is an ignorant and
potentially devastating error. Both Joe and Lisa strongly support implementation of infectious
disease screening requirements for the Neapolitan Mastiff.
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Leishmaniasis - Cinciripini's Neapolitan Mastiffs
Learn more about the Leishmania project at the MHF and/or The Infectious Disease Protocol
Development
for the Neapolitan
Mastiff.
Back to Current Research
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