What you and your pets should know about living in the Algarve
Published: 04/13/2009 by Dr Lars, VIP Veterinary Surgery, Lagos
Infectious diseases and parasites present here on the Algarve are rare in most of Europe, especially non- Mediterranean countries such as the UK, Germany and the Netherlands. When people travel or relocate to new warmer climates where such as exotic diseases lurk, they must take precautions to protect themselves (such as travellers taking Malaria tablets when heading to SE Asia), the same applies to your four legged friends when residing in Portugal. Below are three infectious diseases which are spead by insects, all which are found in the Algarve. These parasites which are all dangerous to companion animals, cause debilitating disease and are potentially fatal.
Heartworm
Like Malaria, heartworm is transmitted by mosquitoes when they feed. The larval stages are injected into the dog, maturing over three months before migrating into the heart and pulmonary arteries where they stay and grow (up to 35cms!).... not something you want living inside your dog!
Prevention
Heartworm disease can be prevented by oral and injectable prophylactic drug. The oral medication is given monthly and there are a range of licensed tablets available, including ones that also treat intestinal worms. The injectable form is given under the skin and lasts for 12 months. Animals who have not had consistant heartworm treatment should always be tested before preventatives are used, to avoid potentially life threatening reactions. The cheap oral liquid form used routinely in Portugal is not registered for use in companion animals, can be toxic when given in high amounts , and ineffective when under-dosed.
Leishmaniasis
This dehabilitating disease is spread by biting sand flies when they feed on unsuspecting animals. It is a much smaller parasite, which infect red blood cells (RBC's) and cause a myraid of clinical signs such as skin lesions, weight loss, and anaemia. Left untreated, 70-90% of dogs die. Even when treated, dogs remain infected for life and relapses are common. Leishmaniasis can also affect people.
Prevention
Leishmania carrying sandflies are best repelled with collars, which when used correctly according to recommendations by your vet, will last around five months. Some topical treatments have repellant action against these pests, but are not 100% effective and do not last as long. Avoid walking you dog during dawn and dusk during the warmer months is also suggested, to decrease the chance of your canine being attacked by these biting insects
Tick Fever
Caused by three main blood borne parasites in Portugal, Babesia, Ehrlichia and Rickettsia, these microsopic parasites are spread to your pets via tick bites. Primarily causing illness in dogs, their feline comrades are also affected by another similar type of parasite, Haemobartonella, which is also transported by ticks, but more so by fleas. Ticks fever can also affect humans. These parasitse, when injected into your pet's blood stream via a tick bite, attack red blood cells. Multiplying rapidly within them, Tick fever cause weakness, anaemia, jaundice and obviously, a high temperature.
Prevention
Tick borne diseases are best prevented with regular use of tick repellents placed on the skin of your cat or dog. The most effective preventions are tick collars, spot-ons, or in some cases, both. Just be careful to always check the label first, as some treatments for dogs are potentially toxic when placed mistakenly on cats.
