Zoonosis

1. New data suggests that 20-30% of all adult dogs in virtually all regions of the U.S are infected with ascarids (“roundworms”) even though routine fecal testing is negative.
2. In the United States, 5%-7% of children are positive to roundworm antibodies. Most human cases result in eye diseases of the retina (“ocular larval migrans”)or blood cell changes.
3. Wherever there is dirt, there are roundworms. Roundworm infected soil is present everywhere. Common behaviors of children—such as putting things in their mouths—are the major way most children become infected. Sandboxes are commonly infected environments.

1. Hookworms are the most prevalent intestinal parasite found in adult dogs.
2. Human hookworm infection comes from the ingestion of the eggs or penetration of the eggs through the skin. Hookworm infection was a major problem in the 1800s when people went barefooted most of the time, allowing the hookworm larvae to penetrate the skin of the feet when crossing infected soil.
3. Human hookworm infection may cause “cutaneous larval migrans” (subdermal skin lesions) and intestinal enteritis.

1. The major tapeworm that may infect humans may be spread from the ingestion of fleas.
2. Another much more serious tapeworm infection is found in sheep-raising areas and is spread by allowing dogs to ingest the internal organs of butchered sheep. The dog’s stool then will spread the eggs of this tapeworm to the soil. This particular parasite can result in acute inflammation and liver or lung masses.

1. Have all pets examined and tested by your veterinarian immediately after adopting the pet and follow his/her recommendations.
2. Follow your veterinarian’s preventive health care program using the currently recommended products from the true pet health care professional who has the best interest of both the owner and pet in mind.
3. Year-round heartworm preventives should be used. For oral heartworm preventives to work best, they must be given on time each and every month of the year. ProHeartÒ6 has the advantage of ensuring long-term treatment with the least amount of hassle.
4. All pets should be tested for intestinal parasites every 6 months and dewormed with appropriate medications according to the Center For Disease Control (CDC) and the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC)
5. Have the pet examined immediately in cases where the pet develops diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours. This is especially important for people who have an immunocompromised disease.
6. Do not let your pet roam free or visit public places that may be contaminated with the feces of other pets.
7. Feed pets only commercially prepared, fully cooked, complete rations. Do not feed pets raw or uncooked meat or allow them to hunt and consume prey.
8. Avoid feeding and attracting wildlife such as raccoons. This behavior encourages their immigration into developed environments increasing human exposure to potentially fatal diseases and parasites.
9. Pet owners should not assume that all information from lay publications, the internet, and e-mail groups is accurate or up-to-date. Discuss any concerns about potential diseases transferable to humans with your veterinarian.
10. Remove and properly dispose of fecal matter to decrease environmental contamination. This is especially important with puppies and kittens as well as when small children are present that seem to put everything in their mouth.
11. Do not empty feline litter boxes if you are pregnant.
12. Fully cook all meat before you eat it.
13. Avoid direct skin contact with soil in areas where animals have defecated (e.g. beaches, pet-exercise areas, parks, and yards). Wash your hands after contact with soil and sand.

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