In Spain, a significant outbreak of leishmaniasis occurred in 2009, marking the largest instance of the disease in humans in Western Europe. The disease is often associated with animals, particularly dogs, but it can be transmitted to humans through the bite of a small insect. The parasite responsible, Leishmania infantum, is endemic in the country.

Further information about the outbreak and the disease can be found in El Mundo, including details about the discovery of various animals that can host the parasite, as seen in the Fuenlabrada outbreak.