Vector Borne Diseases Related with Companion Animals in Panama: A Review

Zoonoses are, in a broad sense, diseases transmitted to humans through direct or indirect contact with animals (vertebrates or invertebrates), their environment or by-products. There are different concepts, definitions and classifications of zoonoses according to different criteria. There are different concepts, definitions, and classifications of zoonoses following several criteria. Vectors are transmission vehicles that carry etiological agents between different animal species, including man, or between the environment and these species. The Republic of Panama is an interoceanic isthmus that meets all the basic conditions for the development of vector-borne diseases. This review provides a chronological analysis of the vectorial zoonoses related to companion animals or those that have a close relationship with humans. The history of studies on Trypanosomiasis, Leishmaniasis, Babesiosis, Hepatozoonosis, Rickettsiosis, Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasmosis, Bartonellosis, Borreliosis, Equine Encephalitis, Dirofilariasis and Dipylidiasis in Panama shows that environmental, socioeconomic, cultural, evolutive, investigative and educational factors have a direct influence on the success or failure in the control and prevention of these vectorial zoonoses. For this reason, major efforts are needed in relation to research and work that provide real data to support control programs for these diseases.