Trypanosoma evansi: recent outbreaks in Europe

Here, two recent outbreaks of Trypanosoma evansi infection in mainland France and Spain associated with the importation of dromedary camels from the Canary Islands, are reported. The disease is well-known on the Archipelago since 1997 and many efforts have been made towards control and eventual eradication, but some areas still remain affected. Both mainland outbreaks were controlled by means of massive treatments and monthly serological, parasitological and molecular (PCR) evaluations carried out by Valencian Regional Animal Health laboratory and by CIRAD, Montpellier, respectively. Possible causes for the persistence of the parasite in a small area of the Canaries are discussed. T. evansi must be included among the animal health conditions for international trade within the European Union as well as many other countries. Moreover, procedures including diagnosis, curative or preventive treatment and quarantine should be established to insure the status of the animals moving from a country to another.