First Clinical Cases of Leishmaniosis in Meerkats (Suricata Suricatta) Housed in Wildlife Parks in Madrid, Spain

This study documents the first clinical cases of leishmaniosis in meerkats at wildlife parks in Madrid, Spain, involving seven meerkats, with two testing positive for Leishmania infantum. One meerkat died, and another remains alive but still tests positive after treatment. The presence of Phlebotomus perniciosus sand flies, potential vectors for the disease, was noted, although no Leishmania DNA was found in the flies. The findings highlight the need for further research on the role of meerkats in disease transmission, the efficacy of treatments, and the importance of considering leishmaniosis in differential diagnoses in endemic areas to prevent specimen loss and conservation issues.