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Photo: Connexion reader spots rare blue frog in her garden in France
This condition is estimated to impact one in 10,000 frogs
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First domestic case of chikungunya recorded in mainland France in 2025: Prevention tips
Hundreds of cases have been imported in recent months after an outbreak in Réunion. The disease is spread by tiger mosquitoes that are now prevalent in France
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Dog owners warned to look out for this plant in France to avoid pet injuries
Action can be taken to help avoid these tiny spears which can be fatal to animals in spring and summer
Using natural 'bio' mosquito repellent may kill birds
A scientist is demanding a review of the use of natural bio mosquito control, claiming it is harmful to some birds.

The bio insecticide Bti is based on bacteria and is sprayed from planes and by pump teams across the south of France, from the Carmargue national park to the Spanish border.
Dr Brigitte Poulin, a director with the Tour du Valat research institute which concentrates on Mediterranean research, said: “At first, people believed that it was a miracle solution, compared to the ‘kill everything’ insecticides used before. Our research has shown that there is a negative effect, especially on house martins, which feed mosquitoes to chicks, and on other birds and dragonflies. But when we published it, the anti-mosquito body which works with local authorities did not want to take any notice.”
Read more: gardeners in France asked to help hedgehogs in new campaign
Dr Poulin said people should learn to live with mosquitoes better, saying it is tourists who complain, not locals. Another idea is traps with a bait that gives off carbon dioxide and smells known to attract mosquitoes, as these target specific areas, such as towns.
Shopping local: France's AMAP farm basket scheme explained
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