Barkinside rescues dogs from the local area and throughout Spain. We also assist other rescues that need our help, if requested and we are able. PRIVACY POLICY PRIVACY POLICY PRIVACY POLICY PRIVACY POLICY

Barkinside rescues dogs from the local area and throughout Spain. We also assist other rescues that need our help, if requested and we are able. Barkinside Events Calendar 2026 Barkinside Events Calendar 2026 Barkinside Events Calendar 2026 Barkinside Events Calendar 2026 Aankomende evenementen juli 2026 Vandaag ma di wo do vr za zo 29 30 1 2 3 4 5 6 15:00 HARRY'S PINOSO - QUIZ IN AID OF BARKINSIDE +1 andere 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 15:00 HARRY'S PINOSO - QUIZ IN AID OF BARKINSIDE 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 15:00 HARRY'S PINOSO - QUIZ IN AID OF BARKINSIDE 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 15:00 HARRY'S PINOSO - QUIZ IN AID OF BARKINSIDE 28 29 30 31 1 2 3 20:00 Monthly fun Quiz at Harry's La Romana, in aid of Barkinside. 4 5 6 7 8 9

Barkinside rescues dogs from the local area and throughout Spain. The sanctuary will take on any dog, no matter age, health, or condition. Neem contact met ons op Als uw vraag dringend is, hebben we verschillende manieren om snel antwoord te krijgen: - Gebruik de chatbox rechtsonder op elke pagina - - Bel ons via onderstaande telefoonknop (of Klik hier ) of stuur een sms - - Laat een bericht achter o.v.v n onze Facebook messenger - we zullen ons best doen om te res vijver zo snel mogelijk Vul anders het onderstaande contactformulier in, Stuur ons een e-mail of Bel ons en we nemen zo snel mogelijk contact met u op We zijn beschikbaar tussen 10.00 en 14.00 uur van maandag tot zaterdag op afspraak, alleen alsjeblieft, we zijn blij om flexibel te zijn als we kunnen financial donation options financial donation options financial donation options financial donation options SPAIN: ING Direct: J Wood Barkinside: ES 23 1465 0100 91 1722121320, BIC: INGDESMM UK: Miss J Wood Barclays Sort: 20-70-93 a/c. 10215589 PayPal: barkinside69@aol.co.uk donation options donation options donation options donation options Please check out the items Barkinside use everyday and always appreciate donations of, here - the financial donation information is below , and on the donate financial pages Barkinside Mail Telefoon to go directly to the contact form click here Our Friends Paraíso del Perro Phone Mail Mascotas de Zero Mail Phone

Barkinside rescues dogs from the local area and throughout Spain. We also assist other rescues that need our help, if requested and we are able. a a Button I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. a Button I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. a Button I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. a Button

Barkinside rescues dogs from the local area and throughout Spain. We also assist other rescues that need our help, if requested and we are able. Doneer Barkinside wordt ondersteund door donaties en giften van individuen, we kunnen niet overleven zonder alle hulp die we krijgen van onze vele vrienden en supporters. Veel van de dieren die onder onze hoede zijn, hebben bij aankomst dure veterinaire of medische zorg nodig, en hoe succesvoller we zijn in onze reddingsmissie, hoe hoger onze dagelijkse kosten. We hebben altijd prijzen nodig voor onze reguliere loterijen en evenementen Neem contact met ons op als u wilt doneren. Als u een hond wilt sponsoren of doneren aan degenen die onder onze hoede zijn, dan zouden wij en alle dieren die wij helpen daar zeer dankbaar voor zijn. 100% van al het ontvangen geld wordt gebruikt om degenen die we hebben gered te helpen, niets ervan wordt besteed aan personeel of administratie omdat we allemaal op vrijwillige basis werken. Gebruik er een van de onderstaande beveiligde methodes, of als u dat wenst, alstublieft Neem contact met mij op voor een gesprek of andere informatie die u nodig heeft. Erg bedankt Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Link kopiëren share buttons share buttons share buttons Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Link kopiëren share buttons share buttons share buttons Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Link kopiëren share buttons share buttons share buttons donate summary Donate via PayPal Donate via PayPal Donate via PayPal Donate via PayPal Donate Donate Raffles, Prizes & Events We always need prizes for raffles for our fundraising events, please get in touch for more info Read More Spanish Bank ING Direct: J Wood Barkinside: ES 23 1465 0100 91 1722121320, BIC: INGDESMM Read More Contact Us Please contact us if you need help, or would like to chat about your donation Read More FetchPay click the QR code above or click here to be redirected to our payment page Read More UK Bank Miss J Wood Barclays Sort: 20-70-93. a/c. 10215589 Read More PayPal Click here for Our PayPal account details Read More donate

Barkinside rescues dogs from the local area and throughout Spain. We also assist other rescues that need our help, if requested and we are able. LEISHMANIASIS NL: Leishmaniasis bij honden – Wat u moet weten Wat is het? Leishmaniasis is een ernstige ziekte die wordt veroorzaakt door de Leishmania-parasiet en die zich verspreidt via de beet van een zandvlieg. De ziekte komt veel voor in warme landen zoals Spanje en is actief van mei tot oktober. Zandvlieg – de stille verspreider - Slechts 2–4 mm lang, geelbruin - Actief in de schemering en 's nachts - Alleen vrouwtjes bijten voor bloed - Leeft op vochtige, donkere, beschutte plaatsen Waarom is het gevaarlijk? - Eén beet kan uw hond besmetten - Symptomen: gewichtsverlies, huidzweren, vermoeidheid, koorts, lange nagels Beschermingstips - Gebruik Scalibor-halsbanden of anti-insectenpipetten - Laat uw hond 's nachts binnen slapen - Vermijd stress en geef geen cortisonen als u geïnfecteerd bent - Test uw hond als u twijfelt - Overweeg vaccinatie Zonder bescherming: tot 18% infectierisico Vroege detectie is de sleutel Leishmaniasis kan meestal niet volledig genezen worden, maar wel onder controle worden gehouden. Met de juiste zorg leiden veel honden een gelukkig en comfortabel leven. Prognose Met een vroege diagnose en consistente behandeling blijven veel honden jarenlang symptoomvrij. LEISHMANIASIS FR : Leishmaniose chez le chien – Ce qu'il faut savoir Qu'est-ce que c'est ? La leishmaniose est une maladie grave causée par le parasite Leishmania, transmise par la piqûre d'un phlébotome. Fréquente dans les pays chauds comme l'Espagne, elle est active de mai à octobre. Phénomène : un propagateur silencieux - Longueur : seulement 2 à 4 mm, brun-jaunâtre - Actif au crépuscule et la nuit - Seules les femelles piquent pour se nourrir de sang - Vit dans des endroits humides, sombres et abrités Pourquoi est-ce dangereux ? - Une seule morsure peut infecter votre chien. - Symptômes : perte de poids, lésions cutanées, fatigue, fièvre, ongles longs. Conseils de protection - Utilisez des colliers Scalibor ou des pipettes anti-insectes. - Laissez votre chien dormir à l'intérieur la nuit. - Évitez le stress et ne lui administrez pas de cortisone en cas d'infection. - Testez votre chien en cas de doute. - Envisagez la vaccination. Sans protection : jusqu'à 18 % de risque d'infection. Un dépistage précoce est essentiel. La leishmaniose ne se guérit généralement pas complètement, mais elle peut être contrôlée. Avec des soins appropriés, de nombreux chiens vivent heureux et en bonne santé. Pronostic Grâce à un diagnostic précoce et à un traitement régulier, de nombreux chiens restent asymptomatiques pendant des années. FR translation NL: Leishmaniose bij Honden – Wat je moet weten Wat is het? Leishmaniose is een ernstige ziekte veroorzaakt door de parasiet Leishmania, overgedragen via een beet van de zandvlieg. Deze kleine mugachtige leeft in warme landen zoals Spanje en is actief van mei t/m oktober. Zandvlieg – de stille overdrager - Slechts 2–4 mm groot, geelbruin, lijkt op een mug - Actief in de schemering en ’s nachts - Vrouwtje steekt om bloed op te zuigen voor eitjes - Komt voor in warme, vochtige en beschutte plekken Waarom gevaarlijk? - Eén beet kan je hond besmetten met Leishmania - Symptomen: gewichtsverlies, huidproblemen, vermoeidheid, koorts, lange nagels Beschermings Tips - Gebruik Scalibor-halsbanden of anti-insect pipetten - Laat je hond ’s nachts binnen slapen - Vermijd stress en geef geen cortisonen bij besmetting - Laat je hond testen bij twijfel - Overweeg vaccinatie Zonder bescherming: tot 18% kans op besmetting Vroeg erbij zijn = beter behandelbaar Prognose Hoewel de parasiet meestal niet volledig verdwijnt, kunnen veel honden met de juiste behandeling jarenlang symptoomvrij blijven. Vroege diagnose en therapietrouw zijn cruciaal. NL translation ES: Leishmaniosis en Perros – Lo que debes saber ¿Qué es? La leishmaniosis es una enfermedad grave causada por el parásito Leishmania, transmitido por la picadura del flebótomo (mosca de la arena). Es común en zonas cálidas como España, activa de mayo a octubre. El flebótomo – el transmisor silencioso - Pequeño (2–4 mm), color amarillo-marrón - Activo al atardecer y por la noche - Sólo pican las hembras para obtener sangre - Vive en lugares húmedos, oscuros y protegidos ¿Por qué es peligrosa? - Una sola picadura puede infectar a tu perro - Síntomas: pérdida de peso, heridas en la piel, cansancio, fiebre, uñas largas Consejos de protección - Usa collares Scalibor o pipetas anti insectos - Que tu perro duerma dentro de casa - Evita el estrés y no uses corticoides si está infectado - Haz pruebas si hay sospecha - Considera la vacunación Sin protección: hasta un 18% de riesgo Detectarlo pronto es esencial Aunque no suele curarse por completo, la leishmaniosis puede controlarse. Con los cuidados adecuados, muchos perros llevan una vida feliz y estable. Pronóstico Con diagnóstico temprano y tratamiento constante, muchos perros permanecen sin síntomas durante años. ES translation DE: Leishmaniose bei Hunden – Was Sie wissen sollten Was ist das? Leishmaniose ist eine schwere Erkrankung, die durch den Parasiten Leishmania verursacht und durch den Stich der Sandmücke übertragen wird. Sie ist in warmen Ländern wie Spanien weit verbreitet und von Mai bis Oktober aktiv. Sandmücke – der lautlose Überträger – Nur 2–4 mm lang, gelblich-braun – Dämmerungs- und nachtaktiv – Nur Weibchen beißen, um Blut zu saugen – Lebt an feuchten, dunklen und geschützten Orten Warum ist sie gefährlich? Ein Biss kann Ihren Hund infizieren. Symptome: Gewichtsverlust, Hautwunden, Müdigkeit, Fieber, lange Krallen. Schutztipps: Verwenden Sie Scalibor-Halsbänder oder Insektenschutzpipetten. Lassen Sie Ihren Hund nachts im Haus schlafen. Vermeiden Sie Stress und geben Sie ihm kein Kortison, wenn er infiziert ist. Testen Sie Ihren Hund im Zweifelsfall. Erwägen Sie eine Impfung. Ohne Schutz: Bis zu 18 % Infektionsrisiko. Früherkennung ist entscheidend. Leishmaniose kann in der Regel nicht vollständig geheilt, aber kontrolliert werden. Mit der richtigen Pflege führen viele Hunde ein glückliches und angenehmes Leben. Prognose: Bei frühzeitiger Diagnose und konsequenter Behandlung bleiben viele Hunde jahrelang beschwerdefrei. DE translation french leish translation FR : Leishmaniose chez le chien – Ce qu'il faut savoir Qu'est-ce que c'est ? La leishmaniose est une maladie grave causée par le parasite Leishmania, transmise par la piqûre d'un phlébotome. Fréquente dans les pays chauds comme l'Espagne, elle est active de mai à octobre. Phénomène : un propagateur silencieux - Longueur : seulement 2 à 4 mm, brun-jaunâtre - Actif au crépuscule et la nuit - Seules les femelles piquent pour se nourrir de sang - Vit dans des endroits humides, sombres et abrités Pourquoi est-ce dangereux ? - Une seule morsure peut infecter votre chien. - Symptômes : perte de poids, lésions cutanées, fatigue, fièvre, ongles longs. Conseils de protection - Utilisez des colliers Scalibor ou des pipettes anti-insectes. - Laissez votre chien dormir à l'intérieur la nuit. - Évitez le stress et ne lui administrez pas de cortisone en cas d'infection. - Testez votre chien en cas de doute. - Envisagez la vaccination. Sans protection : jusqu'à 18 % de risque d'infection. Un dépistage précoce est essentiel. La leishmaniose ne se guérit généralement pas complètement, mais elle peut être contrôlée. Avec des soins appropriés, de nombreux chiens vivent heureux et en bonne santé. Pronostic Grâce à un diagnostic précoce et à un traitement régulier, de nombreux chiens restent asymptomatiques pendant des années. NL: Leishmaniose bij Honden – Wat je moet weten Wat is het? Leishmaniose is een ernstige ziekte veroorzaakt door de parasiet Leishmania, overgedragen via een beet van de zandvlieg. Deze kleine mugachtige leeft in warme landen zoals Spanje en is actief van mei t/m oktober. Zandvlieg – de stille overdrager - Slechts 2–4 mm groot, geelbruin, lijkt op een mug - Actief in de schemering en ’s nachts - Vrouwtje steekt om bloed op te zuigen voor eitjes - Komt voor in warme, vochtige en beschutte plekken Waarom gevaarlijk? - Eén beet kan je hond besmetten met Leishmania - Symptomen: gewichtsverlies, huidproblemen, vermoeidheid, koorts, lange nagels Beschermings Tips - Gebruik Scalibor-halsbanden of anti-insect pipetten - Laat je hond ’s nachts binnen slapen - Vermijd stress en geef geen cortisonen bij besmetting - Laat je hond testen bij twijfel - Overweeg vaccinatie Zonder bescherming: tot 18% kans op besmetting Vroeg erbij zijn = beter behandelbaar Prognose Hoewel de parasiet meestal niet volledig verdwijnt, kunnen veel honden met de juiste behandeling jarenlang symptoomvrij blijven. Vroege diagnose en therapietrouw zijn cruciaal. NL leish translation ES: Leishmaniosis en Perros – Lo que debes saber ¿Qué es? La leishmaniosis es una enfermedad grave causada por el parásito Leishmania, transmitido por la picadura del flebótomo (mosca de la arena). Es común en zonas cálidas como España, activa de mayo a octubre. El flebótomo – el transmisor silencioso - Pequeño (2–4 mm), color amarillo-marrón - Activo al atardecer y por la noche - Sólo pican las hembras para obtener sangre - Vive en lugares húmedos, oscuros y protegidos ¿Por qué es peligrosa? - Una sola picadura puede infectar a tu perro - Síntomas: pérdida de peso, heridas en la piel, cansancio, fiebre, uñas largas Consejos de protección - Usa collares Scalibor o pipetas anti insectos - Que tu perro duerma dentro de casa - Evita el estrés y no uses corticoides si está infectado - Haz pruebas si hay sospecha - Considera la vacunación Sin protección: hasta un 18% de riesgo Detectarlo pronto es esencial Aunque no suele curarse por completo, la leishmaniosis puede controlarse. Con los cuidados adecuados, muchos perros llevan una vida feliz y estable. Pronóstico Con diagnóstico temprano y tratamiento constante, muchos perros permanecen sin síntomas durante años. ES leish translation DE: Leishmaniose bei Hunden – Was Sie wissen sollten Was ist das? Leishmaniose ist eine schwere Erkrankung, die durch den Parasiten Leishmania verursacht und durch den Stich der Sandmücke übertragen wird. Sie ist in warmen Ländern wie Spanien weit verbreitet und von Mai bis Oktober aktiv. Sandmücke – der lautlose Überträger – Nur 2–4 mm lang, gelblich-braun – Dämmerungs- und nachtaktiv – Nur Weibchen beißen, um Blut zu saugen – Lebt an feuchten, dunklen und geschützten Orten Warum ist sie gefährlich? Ein Biss kann Ihren Hund infizieren. Symptome: Gewichtsverlust, Hautwunden, Müdigkeit, Fieber, lange Krallen. Schutztipps: Verwenden Sie Scalibor-Halsbänder oder Insektenschutzpipetten. Lassen Sie Ihren Hund nachts im Haus schlafen. Vermeiden Sie Stress und geben Sie ihm kein Kortison, wenn er infiziert ist. Testen Sie Ihren Hund im Zweifelsfall. Erwägen Sie eine Impfung. Ohne Schutz: Bis zu 18 % Infektionsrisiko. Früherkennung ist entscheidend. Leishmaniose kann in der Regel nicht vollständig geheilt, aber kontrolliert werden. Mit der richtigen Pflege führen viele Hunde ein glückliches und angenehmes Leben. Prognose: Bei frühzeitiger Diagnose und konsequenter Behandlung bleiben viele Hunde jahrelang beschwerdefrei. DE leish translation Links to translations FR - Traduction Française DE - Deutsche Übersetzung NL - Nederlandse vertaling ES - Traducción al español link to tranlastions

Barkinside rescues dogs from the local area and throughout Spain. We also assist other rescues that need our help, if requested and we are able. OUR DOGS Abby Read More Perla Read More Chappie Read More Itsy Bitsy Read More Nika Read More Keith Read More View More Facebook Facebook

Barkinside rescues dogs from the local area and throughout Spain. We also assist other rescues that need our help, if requested and we are able. Casa de Griffon Creating awareness of the plight of the beautiful Spanish dog known as Griffons Hi, I have run Casa de Griffon for 5 years, heres a bit about my background in animal rescue. After fostering several griffons in England and hearing about the terrible abuse that Spanish Griffon Dogs go through, I decided to make the move to Galicia, northern Spain. Casa de griffon was set up 5 years ago to save as many dogs as possible from the horrendous abuse that they suffer here. Since arriving Casa de Griffon has taken care of over 500 dogs in all shapes and sizes Over Paraíso del Perro The Galicians are a large hunting province and their dogs of choice tend to be Griffons, Beagles and Podencos. The pounds are overflowing with several hundred dogs who are locked in concrete cages 24/7 unless they are released to adopters and rescuers. From pregnant old girls to ex hunting dogs who have been beaten and tied to short chains, this is the continual abuse these beautiful dogs have to endure. Just over two years ago, a property was found in northern Galicia and we have been busy building indoor enclosures and secure outdoor exercise areas where the dogs are assessed and rehabilitated so they can be adopted to the forever homes. Since arriving Casa de Griffon has taken care of over 500 dogs in all shapes and sizes Dougal and Nicky Alegria and Nicky Neem contact op met Paraíso del Perro Neem contact op met Paraíso del Perro Neem contact op met Paraíso del Perro

Barkinside rescues dogs from the local area and throughout Spain. We also assist other rescues that need our help, if requested and we are able. Where Dogs with a Story Find Their Forever Home High on a mountain between La Romana and Novelda, where on a clear night you can see the lights of Alicante sparkling in the distance, lies a very special place. This is where Jacqueline Roberts and her partner Roy run 'Barkinside Sanctuary '. It is not your average shelter, but a loving haven for the region's most vulnerable dogs. We visited Jacqueline to talk about passion, sacrifice, and the unconditional love for dogs. Jacqueline is a well-known face in the world of canine rescue. She has lived in Spain for 25 years. "Even as a child, I wanted to do something meaningful for dogs," she says with a smile. In England, she was heavily involved in fostering, but when her health declined, doctors advised her to move to the Spanish climate. After a period in La Manga and a brief return to England, love for Roy brought her back to Spain for good. "I always said I'd never come back, but look at us now: out here in the campo, in total peace, surrounded by our animals." The birth of a mission It all started 11 years ago. Although Jacqueline was working as a secretary for a charity at the time, she didn't quite find her niche there. However, the problem of abandoned dogs in the region was too large to ignore. When 24 dogs suddenly had nowhere to go and no foster homes available, Jacqueline and Roy made a bold decision: they built their own kennels and took them all in. Over the years, Barkinside evolved into a professional, independent organization. "At one point, we had an average of 60 dogs. When I turned 65, I thought: right, I'm retiring. We went back down to eight dogs, but I only lasted a week. I missed the work far too much." Jacqueline laughs when talking about the current number of residents: "I thought we had 20, but Roy says it's 43. Apparently, I can't count!" A sanctuary for the 'specials' Today, Barkinside has become a true sanctuary. This means the focus is on dogs with a 'backpack'** (special needs) . Think of blind dogs, disabled dogs, or those who can only get around with the help of a wheels. Whether it's dogs whose owners have passed away or those who were simply dumped, at Jacqueline's, they are given a life of dignity. The dedication is immense. Jacqueline lives in a caravan on the property, and alongside the dogs, the sanctuary is now also home to horses, donkeys, and cats. "It's hard work, but it's a wonderful life. Fortunately, we don't do it alone. With the help of five regular volunteers and a fantastic dog groomer who treats our dogs for free, we are able to keep this work going." Community support To cover the high costs of care and medication, Barkinside organizes numerous activities. Twice a month, they hold popular boot fairs (every second Sunday at Tipsy Terrace and the last Sunday in El Canton ). The lunches at Tipsy Terrace are also very well attended. The community is incredibly supportive, but extra help remains essential. "People donate food, blankets, and medication. Sometimes we even receive building materials like wood and nails, which we use to repair or improve the enclosures," Jacqueline says. She has a specific request for greeting cards: "Whether it's for birthdays or get-well wishes, we can really use them. You can drop them off at Tipsy Terrace or during our markets." Every donation, in whatever form, is incredibly welcome and makes a direct difference. A look at the future In the past 11 years, Barkinside has taken in 738 dogs, 650 of which have been rehomed. From dogs now living a life of luxury in Thailand to those adopted locally, the contact with new owners is never lost. Jacqueline notices that awareness in Spain is slowly growing. Through years of visiting schools and organizing events, she sees the attitude toward animal suffering changing. For Jacqueline and Roy, the goal remains simple: giving every dog a chance. "The dogs are our lives. There is joy when things go well, and sadness when we have to say goodbye to an old friend. I wouldn't want it any other way." Would you like to support Barkinside Sanctuary or follow their work? Visit the 'Barkinside' Facebook page for updates, photos, and events. Donations of any kind are greatly appreciated. PayPal: barkinside69@aol.co.uk Spanish Bank ING Direct: J Wood Barkinside: ES 23 1465 0100 91 1722121320, BIC: INGDESMM UK Bank: Miss J Wood: Barclays: Sort: 20-70-93 - a/c. 10215589 [**note: the word 'backpack' is the translation of "rugzak" in the original text. It has a literal translation and a vernacular use which can translate as "baggage", as in emotional/physical/social baggage, something carried through life] More details of how and what to donate can be found on the donate financial page and the donte food and cleaning page of the Barkinside website . Die Binnenlander Magazine Die Binnenlander on Facebook Die Binnenlander Magazine Die Binnenlander Magazine debinnenlander.com debinnenlander.com debinnenlander.com Facebook "“De Binnenlander , the monthly online magazine created especially for all Dutch speakers who have lost their hearts to the beautiful interior of the Costa Blanca . Whether you live permanently in Spain, are planning to emigrate, or holiday here regularly: De Binnenlander is your local source of information.” Edition 5 May 12th 2026 - De Binnenlander Magazine

Barkinside rescues dogs from the local area and throughout Spain. We also assist other rescues that need our help, if requested and we are able. RAINBOW BRIDGE RAINBOW BRIDGE RAINBOW BRIDGE RAINBOW BRIDGE An album dedicated to those wonderful babies that we have loved and lost. Always in our hearts and soul, miss you all xxx Take a look at their background stories (here - link leads to Facebook) See what a difference Barkinside and its supporters and volunteers made to their lives. Its impossible to ignore how happy they all are. THIS IS WHY WE DO IT - FOR THE ANIMALS Take a look at their "Rainbow Bridge " album on Facebook for more of their amazing stories. BARKINSIDE RAINBOW BRIDGE Jacko Keith Max Misty Niamh Noble Oddball Paco Patsy Sancho Spartan Tigger Load More

Barkinside rescues dogs from the local area and throughout Spain. We also assist other rescues that need our help, if requested and we are able. PLEASE HELP PLEASE HELP PLEASE HELP PLEASE HELP

Barkinside rescues dogs from the local area and throughout Spain. We also assist other rescues that need our help, if requested and we are able. Dog collars impregnated with deltamethrin are used to control the infection of reservoir dogs. Leishmaniosis cannot be transmitted from dog to humans Barkinside advises that all dogs in and from Spain should have a blood test annually. LEISHMANIASIS Seroprevalence : "...the frequency of individuals in a population who have a particular element and especially antibodies to an infectious agent in their blood serum..." If caught early and not affecting the main organs, Leishmaniosis can be treated and controlled very effectively and the dog can lead a long and happy life. Dogs are the main host and main reservoir of Leishmania infantum, a parasite that causes death in symptomatic dogs (canine leishmaniasis), when not treated. This parasite is transmitted through the bite of a sandfly (a small insect related to mosquitoes and flies) in tropical and subtropical countries, but direct transmission between dogs, and from pregnant dogs to their puppies, exists. A dog’s immune response can contain the infection, preventing active disease, for months-to-years; it can take up to 7 years from the point of infection before signs of disease develop. Canine Symptoms commonly include: skin problems (especially around the head and pressure points), enlarged lymph nodes enlarged spleen, eye problems, weight loss, lethargy, reduced appetite, nose bleeds, and vomiting and diarrhoea. There are many common blood test abnormalities seen in Leishmania infection – although none of these are specific for the infection. Canine leishmaniasis is expanding to the Northern Hemisphere, where it was barely known.This is due to climate change and the importation of dogs. Several vaccines have been developed in the last decade, but their efficacy is limited and not guaranteed to be 100% effective, this includes the innoculation available in Spain. Veterinary researchers are still waiting for the ideal drug that can eliminate the parasite from target organs and limit transmission. How it spreads: When female sandflies bite and feed on blood of an infected host, they can acquire the Leishmania parasites. These parasites can then be transmitted to another host by the same sandfly species during a subsequent blood meal. Additionally, Leishmania can be passed from a mother to her child, from a female dog to her puppy, or through the sharing of syringes. In southern European countries, Canine leishmaniasis, (now referred to as "CanL"), seroprevalence reaches high levels. Prevelance in Spain: CanL is widespread in Spain. It can be considered endemic in almost the entire territory. In the southeast section of the country, the seroprevalence was calculated at 23.7%. Hot spots have been found in the Axarquia region (Malaga). Figures are lower in central Spain (1–5%) and in the North, whereas in the Pyrenees and northeastern areas, 19.5% prevalence was found, mainly among the hunting dog population. Low prevalence numbers (0–2.5%) were found in the Canary Islands, although imported cases were not ruled out. This disease is mostly unknown by veterinarians outside the endemic areas. In Humans the parasite manifests in various forms, causing visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis in populations in the Mediterranean Basin, North Africa, South America, and West Asia. Cutaneous leishmaniasis: (caused by Leishmania tropica), causes skin sores which are often self-healing within a few months, but which may leave ugly scars; it occurs worldwide, including the Mediterranean coast. Visceral leishmaniasis: (caused by Leishmania infantum), causes systemic disease, presenting with fever, malaise, weight loss and anaemia, swelling of the spleen, liver and lymph nodes; most of the cases reported worldwide occur in Bangladesh, Brazil, India, Nepal and Sudan. Risk for people A noteworthy number of leishmaniasis cases in the European Union (EU) come from outside Europe, often due to travel to tropical countries where leishmaniasis is more prevalent. Vaccination and treatment: Currently, there is no available vaccination for this parasite. However, various treatments exist, although over time, the parasite has developed resistance to some of these medications. Protective measures include: using methods like mosquito nets treated with insect repellent, applying insect repellent directly to your skin, managing the presence of insects around your home. RESOURCES: CLICK HERE t o download a copy of this page. CLICK HERE to download a copy of "Canine Leishmaniasis: Update on Epidemiology, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention." Department of Parasitology, University of Granada, Spain. Or click here to read online. CLICK HERE to download a Factsheet provided by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (An agency of the European Union). Or click here to read online. CLICK HERE to download a copy of "Surveillance, prevention and control of leishmaniases in the European Union and its neighbouring countries" provided by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. Or click here to read it online.