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Insects, snakes and ticks may threaten the health of dogs living on the Costa Blanca. Find out about the dangers of processionary caterpillars, leishmaniasis, ticks and snakes, how to recognise the threat and what to do about it.

There are certain insects and predators that present a danger to animals in Spain, both on the coast and further inland. These threats to pets tend to be regional so it’s advisable to discuss the local dangers with your vet. However, here are some of the most significant threats to pets and animals in the Mediterranean area.

Leishmaniasis

Leishmaniasis is a disease that mainly affects domestic dogs. In humans it is called Kala-Azar which is the Indian for black fever. It is carried by a small, yellow sand fly that resembles a mosquito and is around two to three millimetres long. Mediterranean countries are severely affected by this disease. It is said that the fly carrying the disease does not bite at sea level, only at altitude – but the altitude at which they bite is not high. Any question about the area can be addressed to the local ayuntamiento (town hall) or vet.

Typically the fly bites the exposed skin of the dog (nose and ears). Dogs can incubate Leishmaniasis for over a year before displaying symptoms, which vary from dog to dog. One clue is when the hair around a dog’s eyes drops out and claws grow abnormally. Infected animals will lose weight, become anaemic and often display symptoms of renal failure. If medical help is not sought, the dog will die after several months.

There are products (available from vets) that can protect against the bite if applied regularly and should be used to protect against this disease from spring to autumn, when the risk is highest. Also cattle pest control badges are said to protect against the bites, but the best protection is to keep a dog inside from before dusk until after dawn, the time when the flies are most active.

* Further, comprehensive, information on canine Leishmaniasis: Click here

Processionary Caterpillars or Procesionarias del pino

The processionary pine caterpillar (Thaumetopoea pityocampa) is usually three to four centimetres long, brown and hairy. At the start of spring the caterpillars come out of round, white, fuzzy nests built in pine trees (normally property owners will burn these nests if they see them) and travel down the tree and across the ground in single file, sometimes stopping in writhing circles. This phenomenon will continue well into the summer.

These caterpillars are extremely dangerous as they “burn” the flesh of any animal, child or person that touches them. A small animal can die from the burn on contact. If a pet comes in to contact with these caterpillars it is advisable to seek veterinary assistance immediately.

Poisonous Snakes in Spain

There are some poisonous snakes that can cause death if they bite an animal. For more information on poisonous snakes, see:

* Poisonous snakes in Europe: Air Cavalry Survival
* Poisonous snakes in Europe: Wilderness Survival
* Spain’s venomous snakes: Iberian Nature

Dangerous Ticks in Spain

As in most hot countries, ticks can be a serious problem for pets and not only do they spread disease but they can cause serious discomfort to the animal. Two of the most common diseases are Babesiosis and Ehrlichiosis. In horses, Babesiosis is referred to as Equine Piroplasmosis (EP) or Biliary Fever, and can cause death within 48 hours in severe cases. Take advice from the local vet in order to ensure that the animal is adequately protected. Drops and collars are available for cats and dogs.

Note: if tick bite disease is ignored it can be fatal.

* For more information (in English): Click here

Hunting and Dog Walking

Dog walkers should be aware that hunting is practised in many rural parts of Spain and that the season for certain species may be quite long. It’s recommended to wear bright red clothing and keep the dog close at hand or on lead.

Hunters may register parcels of land (which they may own or rent) as reserved for hunting certain species. These areas carry the sign stating Coto privado de caza and should be avoided by dog walkers.

During the breeding season of perdiz, a partridge-like game bird, private hunting groups may lay out poisoned meat to help to protect the nests from roaming dogs.

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Image via Wikipedia

Killer Waves Rock Mediterranean Cruise

ATHENS, Greece (March 3) — A 26-foot wave smashed into a cruise ship carrying nearly 2,000 people in the Mediterranean on Wednesday, smashing glass windshields and killing two passengers, according to officials and news reports.

Another six people suffered light injuries, the Greek coast guard said in a statement. The victims were identified as a German and an Italian man.

Read article

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Some weeks ago we covered the various fun and animal parks around
Benidorm. To complete our video series on these lovely parks,
we added a video on the Mundomar exotic and marine animals park.

A fantastic dolphin show with their wonderful tricks and
a wide range of all sorts of exotic animals make this visit
really one to remember.

We spent the whole day at the park and I was really suprised
how big the park is and how many different animals there are to see.
While our daughter Anna loved the seal show which was really funny,
the best, I must admit, were the two supersized turtles
which impressed me the most. I had never seen a turtle
with a diameter of around 1 meterbefore. Really amazing.

Lots of colourful, lovely birds, just an incredible variety…. well
enough words… have a look for yourself and enjoy
our Mundomar video.

You can find it on our overview page for all different Benidorm
attractions. Just scroll down to the Mundomar section here:

Mundomar Video

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By: Penny Lapenna

2009 has been one of the worst in a decade for forest fires in Spain, destroying over 10,000 hectares of wild forest land, with a resultant effect on the wildlife population. But we know comparatively little about the native species that have been affected on the Iberian Peninsula, since wildlife tends to increase in areas depopulated by humans. It is only our absence that allows many species to flourish. If it were not for some dedicated wildlife experts who have studied rural areas in Spain, we would be unaware that the Iberian wolf had made a comeback from near extinction to over 2,000 individuals, that more than 15 types of raptor are flourishing, and that wild boar (which became extinct through over hunting in Great Britain in the 17th century) are abundant, even near the populated suburbs of Madrid.

The depopulation of rural areas in Spain is however also responsible for some of the worst forest fires being allowed to rage unchecked. As villages with declining native populations are being re-invigorated by foreign inhabitants, an awareness of their human effect on local species must be considered.

What can we do to balance our presence with that of local wildlife?

Read article……

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Image by DeViLtEcH via Flickr

By Nikki Luxford
A PROTEST against the possible change in law regarding animal sanctuaries and protection pounds took place in Valencia on Saturday night.

If an amendment to law 4/94 is passed, private enterprises will be allowed to take over the care of homeless and abandoned animals, therefore eliminating the need for non-profit rescue centres and associations.

More than 1,000 people turned out with their dogs on the day, which marked International Animal Rights day.

Placards and banners bearing the slogans ‘We want to give love, not money‘, and ‘Defend their rights’ were brandished.

A Spanish woman who was present at the demonstration said: “If it had not been for the rescue centres, my three dogs would not be here today.

read the article

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Image via Wikipedia

The city of Benidorm, north of Alicante is a tourism magnet every
year. Famous not only for its beaches, but also for fun and amusement.
Years ago, fun and water parks grew around the area to offer
lots of different attractions to visitors.

Among the most known parks is Aqualandia (a water park), Terra Mitica
(a fun and adventure park), Mundomar (underwater life park).
One of the latest parks opening in the area is the nature park
of Terra Natura, just outside of Benidorm.

Please do me a favor and visit it the next time you are around
the area. This is really impressive. I have never seen such a variety
of animals in such a clean park. Anna our daughter loves it even more.
So, if you travel with kids, this is a “must see” .

Enjoy the video and pictures here:

Terra Natura Video

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Image by Getty Images via Daylife

excerpt from the Anglo Info – Costa Blanca Newsletter

Dogs can play a huge part in our lives; it may be in their role as “member” of a police force or rescue team, or in service as a farm hand, a guard dog, Seeing Eye or therapy dog. But for a great many people they play their biggest role as family pet – a devoted and loving companion.

paws for thought

If you have a pet dog – or cat – it’s important to know the local rules relevant to owning an animal in Spain. Details such as identification requirements, how to buy, sell or adopt a pet and most importantly, what to do if your pet goes missing.

There are many regulations in place, most of which are enforced for the health and welfare of the animals. For example, all pets must be identified by microchip or tattoo; and vaccination against rabies is compulsory.

• Find out everything a pet owner should know from the INFOrmation Page Essential Animal Information for Pets in Spain.
• If you need any animal-related services (such as a kennel or groomer) have a look at the Dogs, Cats, Pets & Animals category of The AngloFILE directory of local English-speaking businesses and services.

And finally, the AngloINFO Classifieds & Discussions have two areas devoted to the subject, see:

• Pets & Animals Discussions
• Pets & Animals For Sale Classifieds

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It’s not everyday that a dog falls off the back of a lorry, but that is just what is thought to have happened in the case of a Spanish dog found in the south-west of England. Since Angel was found straying in Somerset, the local county council’s Animal Health and Welfare Team have been working with local organisations to help get the dog back to full health.

Read more

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