Environmental risk mapping of canine leishmaniasis in France

A spatial analysis of canine leishmaniasis (CanL) in France reveals two distinct eco-epidemiological patterns, each associated with specific environmental conditions and sandfly vectors. The first pattern is found in the Cévennes region of the southern Massif Central, characterized by moderate altitudes (200–1000 m), cooler winter temperatures (1.9°C average), high annual rainfall (1042 mm), and dense forest cover—conditions favorable for Phlebotomus ariasi. The second pattern occurs on the Mediterranean coastal plain, marked by warmer temperatures, lower rainfall, and less forest cover, aligning with the preferences of Phlebotomus perniciosus. Using niche modeling (Maxent) based on climate, land cover, and population density data, researchers generated France's first risk map for CanL, illustrating how environmental factors shape disease distribution. This ecological approach deepens understanding of CanL dynamics, offering insights into its maintenance and emergence in southern France.

Chamaillé, L., Tran, A., Meunier, A., Bourdoiseau, G., Ready, P., & Dedet, J.-P. (2010). Environmental risk mapping of canine leishmaniasis in France. Parasites & Vectors, 3(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/1756-3305-3-31