Zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis, caused by L. major, is the main type of leishmaniasis in the country. The number of cases has progressively decreased since the implementation of control activities at the end of 2006 and probably also due to protective immunity in the populations affected.
Control measures mainly consisted of reducing the rodent population and using vector control techniques by local pest management companies. The national control programme for leishmaniasis in Libya is well established and structured. It has managed to eliminate 85%–90% of the Psammomys population, the animal reservoir, in the targeted areas.
The national programme has assured the availability of diagnosis and free-of-charge treatment in endemic areas. There is a need to improve the surveillance system to avoid under-reporting of cases. Also, there is a technical difficulty in identifying parasite strains to investigate re-infections and relapses.
L. killicki was identified in Libya from Beni Ulid in 1986.
