A rabies infection is not something anyone wants to discover in their neighbourhood. Once symptoms develop, the disease is almost always fatal, making prompt treatment after exposure essential. For dog and cat owners in Ceuta, the latest confirmed case is another reminder of why keeping vaccinations up to date matters, particularly in a city bordering a country where rabies is still present.

The latest infection involved a dog that crossed from Morocco into Ceuta on October 28. Fortunately, it was spotted at the Tarajal border crossing and captured less than 30 minutes later, before it could come into contact with residents or other animals. The infection was confirmed on November 12 by Spain’s National Centre for Microbiology at the Carlos III Health Institute. 

Dog showed worrying symptoms after crossing border

The dog’s vaccination status was unknown when it entered Spanish territory. Guardia Civil officers spotted it near the border and alerted the animal collection service, which managed to capture it shortly afterwards.

Its condition was already extremely poor. The animal was severely emaciated, had a limp in one leg and displayed continuous, frantic running behaviour. Given these symptoms and its arrival from a rabies-endemic area, veterinary authorities suspected infection and decided to euthanise it immediately.

Laboratory tests subsequently confirmed rabies using immunofluorescence and PCR, which detect the presence of the virus. One important detail is that the dog remained under continuous surveillance following its capture. Authorities confirmed that it had no contact with people or other animals, meaning no human or animal exposures have been identified in connection with this case. 

Second rabies case recorded in Ceuta this year

Unlike mainland Spain, where terrestrial rabies has been eradicated, Morocco continues to report infections in both animals and humans. The country’s National Office for Food Safety (ONSSA) identifies rabies as an endemic disease found across much of its territory, with dogs acting as the main reservoir of infection. 

The scale of the problem remains significant. According to the World Health Organisation, 451 human rabies cases were documented in Morocco between 2000 and 2022, averaging around 20 deaths annually. Animal infections are also regularly reported, with stray dogs representing a major source of transmission. 

Why pet owners need to take rabies seriously

Although Spain and its islands have been free of terrestrial rabies since 1978, imported cases continue to occur occasionally in Ceuta and Melilla because of their proximity to countries where the disease remains present. The Ministry of Agriculture stresses that vaccination is one of the most important tools for preventing the spread of rabies. In Ceuta, annual rabies vaccination is compulsory for dogs, cats and ferrets, and owners must keep their animals’ vaccination records up to date.

The disease affects the central nervous system of mammals and can spread to humans through the saliva of an infected animal, usually following a bite or scratch.  Once clinical symptoms appear, rabies is virtually always fatal. Anyone bitten or scratched by an animal suspected of carrying rabies should wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes before seeking urgent medical attention. Preventive treatment can stop the disease developing if administered promptly. Dogs, cats and ferrets in Ceuta must be vaccinated against rabies annually, with owners required to keep their animals’ vaccinations up to date.

Fitness, family fun and fundraising are coming together in Playa Flamenca on Saturday, November 14, when the Red Cross holds its second charity activity day in Orihuela Costa. The event promises a lively morning of exercise sessions, free children’s workshops and a charity raffle, with money raised helping vulnerable children through local Red Cross projects.

The event takes place on the Playa Flamenca promenade at Calle Los Nardos 4, with a morning of exercise sessions, children’s workshops and a charity raffle.

The second charity activity day aims to bring residents and families together for an enjoyable morning while raising awareness of the Red Cross and its work in the local community.

With activities suitable for different ages and fitness levels, the event offers an opportunity to get moving, meet other residents and support a worthwhile cause.

Fitboxing, Pilates and Zumba sessions planned

Activities begin at 9:30 AM with fitboxing, combining boxing movements with a fitness workout, followed by Pilates at 10:00 AM. Anyone joining the Pilates session should bring their own mat.

A rope-based exercise session follows at 10:30 AM, before a Zumba masterclass gets everyone moving at 11:00 AM.

The activities are open to all ages and abilities, making the event accessible to people who enjoy regular exercise as well as those who simply want to try something different.

The varied programme gives participants the chance to choose their favourite activity or enjoy several sessions throughout the morning.

Free children’s workshops and Red Cross information

For younger visitors, there will be free children’s workshops throughout the morning, offering creative activities while parents enjoy the fitness sessions.

The workshops will provide entertainment for children and help make the charity day a family-friendly occasion.

Red Cross volunteers will also be on hand at an information stand to explain more about the charity’s local work.

Visitors will have the opportunity to find out how the organisation supports people in need and learn more about the projects benefiting from community fundraising.

Charity raffle supports vulnerable children

At 12:00 PM, a charity raffle will feature prizes donated by local businesses and organisations.

A €5 raffle ticket that could win you a hotel break, dinners out, fashion and a spa treatment, will also help seriously ill children and their families in Malaga have a happier Christmas this year.

Cotter Comunicacion has launched a three-part festive campaign in support of Fundacion Olivares, to bring businesses and neighbours into one project so that Christmas feels a little brighter for the families who need it most. The campaign includes a charity hamper raffle, a toy and gift collection and a Christmas market on December 20.

A Christmas hamper that keeps growing

Local and national companies, brands and organisations are donating products and experiences to the Great Charity Christmas Hamper, which is already worth more than €6,000 and rising daily. Tickets are on sale now, and every cent raised goes to the charity. The draw takes place on December 20 at 5.30pm.

Prizes so far include a voucher to rent a dress from Novva Drop, a blazer from Julieta Brand and two nights at the Gran Hotel Miramar. The winner can also look forward to dinners at Trocadero, El Balneario, Er Pichi de Cai and Sushita, a painting by Laura Zambrano and a handbag by Ana Vera. There is also a facial at La Pausa Spa and a family pass for the Holiday World Beach Club.

Dozens of businesses have already joined in, including Inspiring Soho, Vera Blonde, Farmacia Cerrado de Calderon, ZAMRODart, and many more.

Fortuny Hogares Unicos is also sponsoring the campaign, and its financial contribution benefits the charity. Other companies keen to get involved can contact the agency to find out how.

Where to buy your raffle tickets

Anyone in Malaga can pick up tickets at seven locations:

– Fundacion Olivares headquarters: Avenida Arroyo de los Angeles 50
– El Balneario: Calle Bolivia, 2
– Cotter Comunicacion: Paseo de Cerrado de Calderon
– Farmacia Cerrado de Calderon: Paseo de Cerrado de Calderon, 18
– Paulette: Paseo de Reding, 53
– La Danse Studio: Paseo de Cerrado de Calderon, 18, Edificio Mercurio, third floor
– Coser y Planchar: Paseo Cerrado de Calderon, 1, Multicentro

Vanessa believes the price is small but the impact is big. “For five euros, anyone can help Fundacion Olivares and have a chance of winning a hamper we are preparing with so much love,” she says. “We’d like people to feel it belongs to all of Malaga.”

Toys and gifts so no child is left out

Children and teenagers are at the heart of the second part of the campaign. Organisers are collecting new, unused toys and gifts, from children’s games to ideas that suit teenagers, such as tech products, make-up and games.

Donations can be dropped off at the charity’s headquarters or at the agency’s office. Individuals and businesses are both welcome to take part, and teenagers deserve special thought, as their tastes matter too when choosing a present.

Christmas market on December 20

Sunday, December 20 brings everything to El Balneario, one of Malaga’s best-known venues, which is lending its space free of charge. The market runs from 12pm to 7pm with free entry and live music, where the hamper draw will take place. Full details will follow closer to Christmas.

A community effort for a shared cause

Fundacion Olivares, founded by Andres Olivares has supported children with cancer in the Malaga area since 2010, and has since widened its help to children with other serious long-term illnesses and their families.

Andres says the charity is grateful to everyone taking part. “Behind every collaboration there are people who choose to give their time and resources to help others,” he explains. “Christmas is a particularly special time for children and families, and we hope many people will join in so that, together, we can go further.”

Vanessa has the final word. “You don’t need to do anything huge to help: every ticket, every gift and every collaboration counts. If we all give a little, together we can do something far bigger.”

To see more of the incredible work the charity do you can visit their website here.