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18.05.09 / MEDCON
Zoonotic parasites pose risks for pet owners – education required
A new study from Dutch researchers suggests that veterinarians should educate pet owners about hygiene requirements and potential risks of zoonotic parasites.
UTRECHT/THE NETHERLANDS, 18 May 2009 – Pets may carry zoonotic pathogens for which owners are at risk, the researchers note in Veterinary Parasitology. They collected fecal samples and fur from 152 healthy dogs and 60 healthy cats living in 159 Dutch households. Apart from that, the team led by Dr. Paul A.M. Overgaauw interviewed the owners about interaction with their pets.
The examination for several zoonotic parasites revealed Toxocara eggs in 4.4% (dogs) and 4.6% (cats) of fecal samples. In dog fur samples the researchers found Toxocara eggs in 12.2%, in cat fur samples there were Toxocara eggs in 3.4%. They add, that median epg (eggs per gram) in the fur was 17 for dogs and 28 for cats, but none of these eggs were viable.
Furthermore, the researchers from RnA BV and Wageningen University found Giardia and Cryptosporidium sp. in the dogs’ and cats’ feces.
The interviews revealed that 50% of the owners allow the pet to lick their faces. Sixty percent of the pets visit the bedroom; 45% of the dogs and 60% of the cats are allowed on the bed, and 18 - 30% (dogs - cats) sleep in the owner´s bed. Six percent of the pets always sleep in the bedroom. The researchers report that 45% of the cats are allowed to jump onto the kitchen sink. Nearly 39% of the dog owners never clean up the feces of their dog.
Only 15% of the dog owners and 8% of the cat owners always wash their hands after contact with the animals.
Thus, Overgaauw and his team conclude that “close physical contact between owners and their pets is common and poses an increased risk of transmission of zoonotic pathogens. Education of owners by the vet, specifically about hygiene and potential risks, is required.”
The examination for several zoonotic parasites revealed Toxocara eggs in 4.4% (dogs) and 4.6% (cats) of fecal samples. In dog fur samples the researchers found Toxocara eggs in 12.2%, in cat fur samples there were Toxocara eggs in 3.4%. They add, that median epg (eggs per gram) in the fur was 17 for dogs and 28 for cats, but none of these eggs were viable.
Furthermore, the researchers from RnA BV and Wageningen University found Giardia and Cryptosporidium sp. in the dogs’ and cats’ feces.
The interviews revealed that 50% of the owners allow the pet to lick their faces. Sixty percent of the pets visit the bedroom; 45% of the dogs and 60% of the cats are allowed on the bed, and 18 - 30% (dogs - cats) sleep in the owner´s bed. Six percent of the pets always sleep in the bedroom. The researchers report that 45% of the cats are allowed to jump onto the kitchen sink. Nearly 39% of the dog owners never clean up the feces of their dog.
Only 15% of the dog owners and 8% of the cat owners always wash their hands after contact with the animals.
Thus, Overgaauw and his team conclude that “close physical contact between owners and their pets is common and poses an increased risk of transmission of zoonotic pathogens. Education of owners by the vet, specifically about hygiene and potential risks, is required.”
References
- Veterinary Parasitology, e-pub ahead of print April 5th 2009