UK holidaymakers are being warned about the increased risks of a deadly disease by authorities in Spain. The Catalan Department for Health has issued a warning of the dangers of rabies as it says more than a fifth of animal attacks in the area could now carry the risk of transmitting the disease.

It has urged people in Catalonia to avoid contact with bats at all costs, as the animals are the main carriers of rabies. Rabies is passed on through bites, scratches and other close contact from an infected animal.

The department said: “It is important that if a person finds a bat, they do not handle it, even if it seems harmless or injured. And in this case, notify rural agents so that they can take charge of its management.

“In the event of a bite, scratch or lick from an animal conside

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