This study aimed to estimate the dog replacement rate in an area endemic for visceral leishmaniasis, in which slaughter of seropositive animals was indicated as a control measure, and to evaluate the reasons why new animals were or were not acquired. The animals were replaced in 44.5% of the cases, and this was done mainly because of the need for a companion or guard dog. The main reason for not replacing the dog was fear of visceral leishmaniasis.
Visceral leishmaniasis; Canine replacement; Canine population