Pet Threats

There are certain insects and predators which present a danger to animals in France. These pet threats 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 France.

Processionary caterpillars or les chenilles processionnaires

Watch out for processionary pine caterpillars (Thaumetopoea pityocampa). These are caterpillars which come out of round, white, fuzzy nests they build in pine trees (normally property owners will burn these nests if they see them) and travel single file, sometimes stopping in writhing circles on the ground. 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.

• Further information from website Vulgaris Medical (in French)
• Photograph of a nest and a single caterpillar from Jardin.ch (in French)

Poisonous ticks and snakes

In southern France, in the Var Department, there are some poisonous ticks that can cause death if they bite your animal. Use heavy and efficient protection methods available from pharmacies.

In some areas, there are poisonous snakes, including vipers, that come out to enjoy the sun on the rocks. It's recommended to keep your dog on a leash.

• For more information on poisonous snakes, see: Air Cavalry Survival page or Wilderness Survival

Leishmaniasis (mosquitoes)

Finally, Leishmaniasis (leichmaniose), the canine blood disease carried by sand flies. 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 you are in can be addressed to the local mairie (town hall) or a local vet. 

There are products (available from vets) which can protect against the bite if applied regularly. Also cattle pest control badges (available from most pharmacies) are said to protect against the bites of these flies, but the best protection is to keep a dog inside from before dusk until after dawn, the time when the flies are most active.

[An AngloINFO reader adds: Leishmaniosis (or leishmaniose in French) is transmitted by the phlebotom or (phlebotome in French). Phlebotoms attack preferentially the exposed skin of the dog (nose, ears). Leishmaniosis is also a human disease although human cases are extremely rare in France. Should your dog have leishmaniosis, it would be fair to tell your neighbours.]

• Further, comprehensive, information available in English on the website www.leishmaniasis.info