Detection of Leishmania infantum DNA in captive wild mammals from an urban zoo in a visceral leishmaniasis–endemic area of Brazil

The detection of Leishmania infantum DNA in a zoo-housed wild canid within an VL-endemic urban area highlights the potential exposure of captive wildlife to local transmission cycles. Although infectivity and reservoir competence were not assessed, these findings underscore the importance of integrating minimally invasive molecular surveillance with entomological monitoring in zoological institutions. Such an integrated approach can strengthen One Health surveillance frameworks by enabling early detection of parasite circulation, informing risk-based management strategies, and supporting VL prevention efforts in complex urban environments.