Phlebotomine sand fly-borne pathogens such as Leishmania spp. and phleboviruses are emerging threats to humans and animals worldwide. The aim of this work was to evaluate the exposure of cats from Portugal to Toscana virus (TOSV) and Sandfly Fever Sicilian virus (SFSV) and assess the associated risk factors. The possible association between exposure to Phlebotomus perniciosus saliva with TOSV and SFSV was also investigated. Out of 369 cats tested, 18 (4.9%, n = 365) were seropositive for TOSV, and eight (2.2%, n = 367) were seropositive for SFSV. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that cats presenting clinical signs that were compatible with leishmaniosis and antibodies to TOSV had a significantly higher risk of being SFSV seropositive. The presence of antibodies to sand fly-borne viruses in cats indicate that these animals are frequently exposed to sand flies and transmitted pathogens. Data suggest that cats can be used to qualitatively monitor human exposure to TOSV and SFSV in endemic areas. The clinical impact of SFSV in cats' health should be investigated. The identification of the sand fly species responsible for the circulation of TOSV and SFSV in nature and the evaluation of the vectorial competence of P. perniciosus to SFSV should also be addressed.

Animal and Veterinary Research Centre University of Trás os Montes and Alto Douro 5000 801 Vila Real Portugal

Center for Investigation Vasco da Gama Department of Veterinary Medicine Vasco da Gama Universitary School 3020 210 Coimbra Portugal

Clínica Veterinária Porto Seguro 8700 507 Olhão Portugal

Department of Parasitology Faculty of Science Charles University 128 00 Prague Czech Republic

Global Health and Tropical Medicine 1349 008 Lisboa Portugal

Hospital Veterinário da Arrábida 2925 538 Azeitão Portugal

Hospital Veterinário de Berna 1050 039 Lisboa Portugal

Hospital Veterinário do Algarve 8000 072 Faro Portugal

Medical Parasitology Unit IHMT UNL 1349 008 Lisboa Portugal

Unité des Virus Emergents 13385 Marseille France

University Veterinary Hospital of Coimbra 3020 210 Coimbra Portugal

VetCoa Serviços Veterinários 6320 354 Sabugal Portugal

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