Dog-walking behaviours affect gastrointestinal parasitism in park-attending dogs

Abstract

BackgroundIn urban parks, dogs, wildlife and humans can be sympatric, introducing the potential for inter- and intra-specific transmission of pathogens among hosts. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of zoonotic and non-zoonotic gastrointestinal parasites in dogs in Calgary city parks, and assess if dog-walking behaviour, park management, history of veterinary care, and dog demographics were associated with parasitism in dogsMethodsFrom June to September 2010, 645 questionnaires were administered to dog owners in nine city parks to determine behavioural and demographic factors, and corresponding feces from 355 dogs were collected. Dog feces were analyzed for helminth and some protozoan species using a modified sugar flotation technique and microscopic examination, a subsample was analyzed for Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. using a direct immunofluorescence assay. Descriptive and multivariate statistics were conducted to determine associations among behaviours, demographics, and parasite prevalence and infection intensitiesResultsParasite prevalence was 50.2%. Giardia spp. (24.7%), Cryptosporidium spp. (14.7%), and Cystoisospora spp. (16.8%) were the most prevalent parasites. Helminth prevalence was low (4.1%). Presence of Giardia spp. was more likely in intact and young dogs; and infection with any parasite and Giardia spp. intensity were both positively associated with dogs visiting multiple parks coupled with a high frequency of park use and off-leash activity, and with being intact and young. Cryptosporidium spp. intensity was associated with being intact and young, and having visited the veterinarian within the previous yearConclusionsOur results indicate a higher overall prevalence of protozoa in dogs than previously found in Calgary. The zoonotic potential of some parasites found in park-attending dogs may be of interest for public health. These results are relevant for informing park managers, the public health sector, and veterinarians.

Urban park-related risks forGiardiaspp. infection in dogs

“…in PA dogs is less than reported within a previous year and similar geographical area [16]. Although sample collection design differed between the past and present studies, there may be a minor underestimate in overall prevalence in the current study due to operator bias, presuming the senior operator is more adept at preparing samples for microscopy.…”

“…Within the social sciences, investigations into the relationships between spatial and temporal patterns of dog-walking, dog-to-dog contact, and dog demographics have indirectly explored behaviours that could influence the risk of GI disease transmission in dogs [3,[11][12][13]. However, only a limited number of studies have investigated the extent to which parks might pose risks for infection and transmission of GI parasites in dogs [2,7,9,[13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21], a relevant query given that in urban settings, parks figure prominently as dog-walking destinations [22]. Giardia spp.…”

“…cysts have been isolated from undisposed dog faeces within parks [19,20]. Other parkrelated behaviours that may pose risks for infection and transmission of GI parasites, including Giardia spp., have been investigated, but with mixed results [2,7,9,[13][14][15][16][17][18]. In particular, Wang et al [18] reported that dogs taken to parks in an urban region of the United States had a higher risk of infection with Giardia spp.…”

Risk reduction and management strategies to prevent transmission of infectious disease among dogs at dog shows, sporting events, and other canine group settings

“…Several studies 80,82,83 have revealed an increased risk of enteric infection (ie, Giardia spp, Campylobacter spp, or Cryptosporidium spp) for unleashed dogs at dog parks, compared with the risk for leashed dogs; increased exposure to canine feces is likely one of the factors contributing to this increased risk.…”

Reported off-leash frequency and perception of risk for gastrointestinal parasitism are not associated in owners of urban park-attending dogs: A multifactorial investigation

“…Previously, we examined dog-walking behavior within parks with different leashing regulations (hereafter 'park management'), including off-leash areas, on-leash areas, and parks with both off-leash and on-leash areas (hereafter, 'mixed-managed parks'), and found a significant positive association between GI parasitism and certain recreational behaviors, including off-leash frequency (Smith et al, 2014). And on a broader scale, Westgarth et al (2009) investigated connectivity among dogs and owners in neighboring communities and established a high potential for contact through use of communal areas including parks, supporting the potential for parasite transmission both within and among parks.…”