Stray dogs and cats as potential sources of soil contamination with zoonotic parasites

Abstract

Szwabe K, Błaszkowska J. Stray dogs and cats as potential sources of soil contamination with zoonotic parasites. Ann Agric Environ Med. 2017; 24(1): 39-43. doi: 10.5604/12321966.1234003 Abstract Introduction and objective. The main source of many zoonoses is soil contaminated with feline and canine faeces. Thus, the aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of intestinal parasites in stray dogs and cats adopted in Lodz shelter (Poland). Materials and methods. In total, 163 faecal samples were collected from 95 dogs and 68 cats from 2011 to 2012. The samples were processed by sedimentation techniques using Mini Parasep®SF. Results. Six parasite genera belonging to protozoa, cestoda, and nematoda, were found in dogs, while eight were found in cats. Out of the 163 fecal samples, 37.4% were positive for the presence at least one species of intestinal parasites. The majority of positive dog samples contained eggs from Toxocara and Trichuris genera, and the family Ancylostomatidae, while Toxocara and Taenia eggs, as well as Cystoisospora oocysts, predominated in cat faeces. A significantly higher prevalence of parasites was noted in cats (48.5%) than in dogs (29.5%) (χ 2 =6.15, P=0.013). The Toxocara genus was the most prevalent parasite in both populations; eggs were found in 27.9% and 16.8% of cats and dogs, respectively. Animals younger than 12 months of age showed higher infection rates with Toxocara, but differences were not statistically significant. The average numbers of Toxocara eggs/gram of faeces in positive puppy and kitten samples were over 5 and 7 times higher than in older dogs and cats, respectively. Mixed infection were found in dogs (5.3%) and cats (8.8%). Conclusions. Cat faeces represent a more important potential source of environmental contamination with zoonotic parasites than dog faeces. Among the detected parasites of stray dogs and cats, Toxocara present an important zoonotic risk for the local human population, especially children.

Endoparasites of Wild Mammals Sheltered in Wildlife Hospitals and Rehabilitation Centres in Greece

“…Trichuris vulpis is also often found in dogs. For example, in some recent surveys it has been found in 8.4 and 10% of dogs in Poland and Slovak Republic, respectively ( 20 , 30 ) and in 6.4% in Kennel dogs of Northern Belgium ( 31 ). This parasite produces particularly environment resistant eggs, has a direct life cycle and can cause severe colitis, with lesions like thickening, ulceration, and necrosis of the intestinal mucosa, severe anaemia, dehydration, and even death of the animal ( 32 ).…”

“…Toxocara spp. found in carnivores here is the most common intestinal parasite of dogs and cats ( 20 ). Toxocara spp.…”

“…These nematodes and especially A. caninum are quite pathogenic and can cause developmental impairment and some severe clinical signs such as diarrhoea, anaemia, and hypoproteinaemia which can eventually lead to death ( 23 ). The prevalence of infection by these parasites in dogs has recently been found to be 7.4% in Poland ( 20 ) and 33% in Romania ( 24 ). Furthermore, these nematodes can cause enteritis, skin lesions and cutaneous larva migrans syndrome in humans ( 25 – 27 ) and impact human health.…”

Feline gastrointestinal parasitism in Greece: emergent zoonotic species and associated risk factors

“…Cystoisosporosis is more common in shelters as it has been previously reported [ 66 ]. The overall prevalence of these protozoans in stray or feral cats in selected studies conducted in Europe was from 11.8% in Poland [ 67 ] and 19.3% in the Netherlands [ 68 ] up to 46.3% in Portugal [ 30 ]. Due to the parasite's mode of transmission, clinical coccidiosis can be a pervasive problem in shelter environments, presumably due to crowded conditions with poor sanitation and hygiene.…”

Legal aspects associated with the lack of possibilities of preventing the spread of toxocarosis and toxoplasmosis in Poland

“…30 state the constant risk of human contact with factors causing both diseases. 1,3,4,8,14,18,30,31,38,53 Despite difficulties in diagnosing toxoplasmosis and toxocarosis in humans sanitary services, without keeping records of these diseases and without knowing local threats, cannot take preventive action. 43,58,80-84. Authors of scientific publications advocate conducting a broad education of the population on risks of these diseases.…”