LSU Has Proposed a Chagas Disease Control Protocol

Chagas Disease Update

A promising study will be conducted by Louisiana State University (LSU) and Shari Hebert. Shari has many dogs that test positive for Chagas. At this time none show symptoms of the disease.

To review, Chagas is the result of the dog being bitten by a “kissing bug” (Triatomainfestans) that is carrying the protozoa Trypanosomacruzi. Below is a picture of this insect. (It looks remarkably like a stink bug.)

The insect is nocturnal and blood sucking. It is most often found in the nests of rodents and other small mammals. The insect bites the rodent and acquires the parasite. The parasite is passed through the insect and found in its feces. When a dog or human is bitten by the insect, feces are deposited at the site and then the protozoa absorbed. The insects are found in the more temperate regions, such as the South and California.

The protozoon causes inflammation of the heart muscle which leads to heart failure and death. The disease can be manifested in either an acute or chronic phase. The acute phase causes heart damage is due to the parasite. In the chronic phase, the parasite is not present.

LSU has proposed a Chagas Disease Control Protocol:

Objectives : 1) Design and implement a canine Chagas prevention program at a kennel site with a history of endemic Chagas disease and, 2) Determine the clinical efficacy and safety of an experimental treatment drug (s) for Chagas disease in dogs naturally infected at this site.

They have determined there is a natural transmission of the protozoa in Shari’s area which found its way into her kennel. It is suggested she try to remove any rodent infestation in the general area, prevent individual infestation by the dogs wearing Deltamethrin collars, use of Deltamethrin spray around the kennel area to prevent further infestation and clear underbrush which could be homes to rodents and small mammals.

Deltamethrin collars are available under the names Adams Delta Force and Preventef-D.

Adams Delta Force collars can be found at:

Preventef-D collars can be found at:

Deltamethrin spay may be found at:

All Shari’s dogs will be retested for Chagas disease using both the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and an experimental InBios dipstick and also tested at timed intervals after treatment. These tests will be done at the lab of the CDC in Atlanta. The response to treatment will also be monitored by EKG and echocardiograms.

The proposed treatment will be using the drug Ponzaril. This drug is a FDA approved treatment for equine protozoalmyloencephalitis (EPM). This disease is also caused by a protozoon. It is also used in the treatment of cocidia. The dogs will be monitored for any side effects.

In a nutshell, prevention is best. Check your kennels for rodents, clean the area thoroughly, use the collars and have your dogs checked for the disease.

AKKAOA wishes to acknowledge Shari Hebert’s persistence in finding someone to listen. As a result an effective prevention and treatment may help all dogs. The full proposal from LSU is available by request; please contact

Carolyn Zinsser at if interested.

Submitted by Carolyn Zinsser

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