Epidemiology of Toxocariasis in England and Wales

Halsby, Kate; Senyonjo, Laura; Gupta, Saurabh; Ladbury, Georgia; Suvari, Muhiddin; Chiodini, Peter L.; Morgan, Dilys

doi:10.1111/zph.12259

Cited by 10 publications

(32 citation statements)

References 19 publications

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“…As well as the recognised syndromes of ocular and visceral toxocarosis, meta-analyses have concluded people seropositive for Toxocara spp. are also more likely to be associated with asthma, epilepsy and learning difficulties [8][9][10][11]. They are often overlooked in adult pets as a risk factor or potential zoonosis, yet these are the most prevalent endoparasites in adult dogs and cats in the UK [12].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Survey of UK pet owners quantifying internal parasite infection risk and deworming recommendation implications

Pennelegion¹,

Drake

Wiseman³

et al. 2020

Parasites Vectors

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Background: Dogs and cats in the UK are exposed to many internal parasites which can pose risks to the health of both the pet and their owners. By understanding these endemic parasites and the risks they pose, we can assess the lifestyle of pets and recommend the correct deworming frequency. Studies identifying risk factors were discussed in the European Scientific Counsel Companion Animal Parasites (ESCCAP) guidelines. To this date, there has been very little information on how pet owners in the UK deworm their pets and if the protocols they follow align with ESCCAP recommendations. The objective of this study was to look at the current deworming protocols of UK cat and dog owners in conjunction with their lifestyle and risk. Methods: An online survey was conducted in the UK targeting pet owners who own at least one dog and/or cat and were responsible for product purchase, the pet's health care and veterinary visits. These survey results were analysed against the ESCCAP guidelines and each pet placed into a risk category. By comparing the current deworming frequency with that recommended for their risk category, the compliance of UK pet owners with ESCCAP recommendations was evaluated. Results: A total of 500 dog owners and 500 cat owners completed surveys. Overall, the study found none of the pets fell into risk group A, with all pets meeting the risk level for at least deworming four times a year (risk group B and above). The majority of animals fell into the highest risk category D with 97% of dogs and 68% of cats. The average deworming per year in the UK was 3.1 for dogs and 3.1 cats, below the minimum recommended by ESCCAP. Conclusions: For both felines and canines, the dosing frequencies are lower than recommended to both reduce zoonotic risk for reducing Toxocara spp. egg-shedding and improve pet health. This research highlights the need for improved education around dog and cat patient risk assessments and greater adherence to recommended deworming aligned with the ESCCAP guidelines.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Survey of UK pet owners quantifying internal parasite infection risk and deworming recommendation implications

Pennelegion¹,

Drake

Wiseman³

et al. 2020

Parasites Vectors

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Prevalence of parasite infection in dogs with importance for human health is usually high, resulting in risk of zoonotic transmission from dogs to humans [83][84][85][86][87][88][89][90][91][92][93][94][95][96]. Co-habitation of human with dog and cat pets enhances transmission of Toxocara.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Toxocariasis and Public Health: An Epidemiological Review

Chigozie¹

2017

Glob J Infect Dis Clin Res

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An epidemiological review of toxocariasis aimed to underpin its prevalence, proclivity and prognosis was undertaken. Human toxocariasis constitutes one of the most common parasitic infections worldwide, which is more prevalent in developing and tropical countries. Human infection is caused by ingesting the eggs which were shed in the faeces of the defi nite dog or cat host. There is a range of clinical manifestations of toxocariasis in human, but the two classical clinical syndromes often described are visceral and ocular larva migrans. The clinical signs and complications which result from infection with this parasite are mostly dependent on the number and migration locations of Toxocara larvae. Visual identifi cation of larvae in tissues and organs is the gold standard for toxocariasis diagnosis in human, while an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay detecting Imunoglobulin-G antibodies against Toxocara excretory-secretory antigen is the reference test for immunodiagnosis. In human, loss of vision, hypereosinophilia, encephalitis and problems involving the liver, lung and the central nervous system are the most important complications. Poor hygiene, poverty and lack of education can exacerbate the exposure to Toxocara infection. Albendazole is the treatment of choice for toxocariasis. Conclusively, the present review recommends that regular stool examination and frequent chemotherapy of pets can be effective in reducing the egg number deposited in soil; reducing the number of pet animals or limiting contacts of small children with them and good hygiene practices will limit transmission of toxocariasis.

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“…campylobacter bacteria and giardia parasites which can cause illness in humans; parasites such as hookworm and roundworm and their eggs and be a vector for toxocariasis (Halsby et al, 2016). In addition, dog waste can end up polluting waterways by promoting the growth of algae and finally, it can attract a variety of insects and rodents.…”

Section: Dog Waste -Risks and Regulationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Dog fouling is rightly written about as being both an unpleasant nuisance and a danger to public health. Apart from being messy, dog waste can contain e-coli, salmonella and campylobacter bacteria and giardia parasites which can cause illness in humans; parasites such as hookworm and roundworm and their eggs and be a vector for toxocariasis (Halsby et al , 2016). In addition, dog waste can end up polluting waterways by promoting the growth of algae and finally, it can attract a variety of insects and rodents.…”

Section: Dog Waste – Risks and Regulationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“No shit Sherlock”! Canine DNA and policing public space

Langstone

2020

IJSSP

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PurposeThis paper argues that this animal surveillance has the potential for considerable function creep going far outside the scheme's original objectives and acts as a conduit for more problematic surveillance of humans. This results in social sorting of people with subsequent unforeseen consequences leading to discrimination and curtailment of freedoms for both animals and their owners. Ultimately this opens people up to further intrusive targeting by commercial interests and, more alarmingly, scrutiny from law enforcement agencies.Design/methodology/approachAn empirical study examining an initiative involving the collection of canine DNA sources data from publicly available Cabinet, Select Committee and Scrutiny Committee records from the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham (LBBD). It also draws on news media sources, publicity material from the company running the scheme and from this and other local authorities. Methods include analysis of documents, semiotic and discourse analysis.FindingsThis paper highlights the importance of animals to surveillance studies and examines the extent to which animals are a part of the surveillant assemblage in their own right. It also demonstrates how nonhuman animals extend the reach of the surveillant assemblage.Social implicationsThe scheme was called a badge of considerate dog ownership, yet it is one that can be franchised to tie up with diverse income streams being described as advantageous in the age of austerity. In 2017, it was reported that this scheme was to be rolled out in other areas and was moving from being voluntary to being mandatory with the enforcement of Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs). These have been described as “geographically defined ASBOS” that have come into force under the Anti-social Behaviour and Policing Act (2014); they often work to criminalise activities that were not previously considered illegal.Originality/valueIn the theorising of surveillance, animals have been largely overlooked. Epidemiological studies proliferate, yet the role of animals in many aspects of everyday surveillance has been neglected.

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Epidemiology of Toxocariasis in England and Wales

Cited by 10 publications

References 19 publications

Survey of UK pet owners quantifying internal parasite infection risk and deworming recommendation implications

Survey of UK pet owners quantifying internal parasite infection risk and deworming recommendation implications

Toxocariasis and Public Health: An Epidemiological Review

“No shit Sherlock”! Canine DNA and policing public space

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