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
• Leishmanasis from the World Health Organisation (WHO): 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.

• More information from Iberian Nature: Click here and scroll down to "c", caterpillar (in English)
• Comprehensive information: Click here
• Advice for what to do in the event of cats or dogs coming into contact with the caterpillars in Spanish from Consulta Vet: Click here (in Spanish)

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 cats and dogs 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. Take advice from the local vet in order to ensure that the pet is adequately protected. Drops and collars are available.

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

• For more information (in English): Click here

Glossary

English	Spanish
fleas	pulgas
ticks	garrapatas
bedbugs	chinches
lice	piojos
wasps	avispas
bees	abejas
snake	serpiente
bumblebees	abejorros
horse flies	tábanos
processionary caterpillars	procesionarias del pino

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