Sandflies carry the infective protozoa from the host specie and transmit it through biting.
Cutaneous form causes papules that develop into slow-healing ulcers.
Pentavalent antimony compounds, such as sodium stibogluconate and meglumine antimoniate, are used for treating humans, but not officially approved for use on dogs. The dosage is usually 30-50 milligrams per kilogram of weight per day for several weeks, running the risk of toxic effects. An outbreak in foxhounds in New York State began in April, and is believed to be continuing as cases are recognized in Virginia, Michigan and Maryland. Other outbreaks of the disease this year have been reported in Kenya, Nepal and Spain. 1998-99 saw outbreaks in Nicaragua, Brazil, Panama and Sudan.