Beginning March 2008 the very first formal research project for the Neapolitan Mastiff in the United States began!  Leishmaniasis (LESH-ma-NIGH-ah-sis) is a disease which was first identified in Italy in 1903 and in 1940 it was determined that 40% of all dogs in Rome were positive for Leishmaniasis. A 2007 Study of dogs in SouthernItaly revealed 29.9% of kennel dogs seropositive for Leishmaniasis. Current studies indicate a rise of Leishmaniasis in S. America as well. Since a significant number of Neapolitan Mastiffs enter the United States from Italy it is important for breeders and owners to be aware of this disease and participate in testing!

Samples collected for the study will also be maintained for a second and possible third research project looking at the T-Cell function of the Neapolitan Mastiff !

We have a great opportunity to contribute to research being conducted at Iowa State University by submitting samples to the current Neapolitan Mastiff Leishmaniasis study.

I understand many of you feel that there is no benefit to you directly to screen your neo for Leishmaniasis, this may be the case but submitting samples to this project means more than just screening your Neapolitan for Leishmaniasis. 
The samples provided to Iowa State University have many useful applications for  future studies but first we have to establish the United States Neapolitan Mastiff community as a community that is concerned and active in promoting research and most importantly PARTICIPATING in research.

One of the most significant aspects of this study and the reason I have dedicated so much time and effort to it, is not to determine the presence of Leishmaniasis in the US population (even though that is important to both me and the breed as a whole) it is to establish the Neapolitan Mastiff as a viable research subject.   

Breeds who establish themselves as active participants will be chosen/ included in future research. 

If we as a community want to have researchers include our breed in their projects we have to establish ourselves as ACTIVE PARTICIPANTS.  Research goes beyond political lines and beyond us as individuals, what we do today can help our breed for future generations.   I sincerely hope that our community will step up and support research no matter who recommends it or what club is involved with it. 

If you would like to receive a free test kit please contact the Health Committee at nmhealth.committee at gmail.com