Disease caused by Leishmania protozoa, which is transmitted by vectors like sandfly. It causes visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis in humans and canines. Cutaneous leishmaniasis, as caused by Leishmania mexicana, is considered endemic in south-central Texas. Leishmania infantum is the causative agent of canine visceral leishmaniasis in the Mediterranean Basin. Dogs and humans are the natural hosts, however, cats also may get infected. Infected dogs are the predominant reservoir for zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis. In dogs, clinical signs of visceral disease are enlarged lymph nodes and hepato- and splenomegaly. Due to its more exotic nature, cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis symptoms often can persist in feline or canine patients for several weeks to months. Dogs may serve as a link between sylvatic and domestic cycles of visceral leishmaniasis.