Posted on 04/25/2009 9:03:33 AM PDT by Slings and Arrows
About 14 percent of the U.S. population is infected with Toxocara, or internal roundworms, contracted from dogs and cats. That's according to the results of a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study announced at the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene in Philadelphia.
The CDC study shows the transmission of Toxocara from dogs and cats to people is most common in young children and youth under age 20, and more common in non-Hispanic Blacks than in Mexican Americans and non-Hispanic Whites of all age groups. It is highest in lower socioeconomic and less-educated populations. All children, however, are more susceptible to infection given their propensity to play in and sometimes eat contaminated soil.
Infections are acquired by accidental ingestion of Toxocara eggs found in environments contaminated with feces of infected dogs and cats. This includes play areas and sandboxes.
"The results of this study demonstrate that Toxocara infection in the United States is more widespread and common than previously understood," said Peter Schantz, VMD, PhD, an epidemiologist in the Division of Parasitic Diseases at the CDC and a founding board member of the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC). "Although most persons infected with Toxocara have no apparent symptoms, this infectious agent is capable of causing blindness and other serious systemic illness, which makes it a public health issue."
While rare, the visual impairment most often affects children. Since toxocariasis is not a reportable infection, true numbers of cases of visual impairment and other syndromes are not known, according to Schantz.
The nonprofit CAPC was formed to educate pet owners about zoonotic disease and steps they can take to virtually eliminate the risk of pets making people sick.
"The CAPC recommends that pet owners administer year-round preventive medicines that control internal and external parasites -- such as roundworms, heartworm, fleas and ticks -- for the life of their dog or cat no matter where they live," said Michael Paul, DVM, executive director of the CAPC. "If you prevent parasitic infections in companion animals, you greatly reduce the chances of zoonotic transmission to people."
The American Animal Hospital Association, the American Association of Feline Practitioners and Schantz of the CDC all endorse the CAPC guidelines that call for year-round parasite control in companion animals to protect both pets and people from zoonotic disease. Parasite control today is simple, safe and effective. Treating dogs and cats for parasites with a monthly product is one of the easiest and most effective ways to keep pets healthy and eliminate related health risks to humans.
Despite the availability of effective treatments to prevent them, parasites -- some deadly -- remain a common fact of life for dogs and cats. Most companion animals have the potential for exposure to parasites all year long. Experts agree there is a year-round threat in all regions of the country, even those that experience below-freezing temperatures, since parasites such as fleas and ticks thrive inside homes regardless of weather conditions outdoors.
Novartis Animal Health US, Inc. funded the CDC toxocara study.
About the CAPC
The nonprofit CAPC (http://www.petsandparasites.org) is an independent council of veterinarians and other animal health care professionals established to create guidelines for the optimal control of internal and external parasites that threaten the health of pets and people. It brings together broad expertise in parasitology, internal medicine, public health, veterinary law, private practice and association leadership
About the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
As the sentinel for the health of people in the United States and throughout the world, CDC (http://www.cdc.gov) strives to protect people's health and safety, provide reliable health information, and improve health through strong partnerships. For more information on Toxocara infection, visit.
Companion Animal Parasite Council http://www.petsandparasites.org
....sometimes eat contaminated soil.
I think of a famouse quote from a wise woman...."Stupid is as Stupid Does".
Good point....maybe Americans need more worms....and maybe parents should keep a can of maggots for when their kids get a boo boo.
Wow....whoever is married to that guy should feel very proud.
Yes, if she doesn't have to do his laundry.
Slings Just what to TY you for Kitty posts. Although I have been them for a while April 9th I had to put Arnold to rest after 18 great years he was the kids I never had
I loved him dearly and always will.]
And also thank you others for all your love and support.
Love To All Michael Caivano
Thank you for the kind words, and I’m very sorry for your loss.
Somewhere out there, a kitten is waiting for you to find it.
Sounds aweful, but remember, ringworm is actually a fungus, not a worm.
FWIW “ringworm” is a misnomer. It’s a fungal infection treated with anti-fungal meds, and not a worm or any kind of parasite.
Ringworm’s a fungus. If it’s on your head, it’s called tinea capis. If it’s on your feet, it’s called tinea pedis. If it’s on your body, it’s called tinea corporis. If it’s in your crotch, it’s called tinea cruris.
To rid your self....Tinia citin
No biggy for me.
Thank you.
This kitty cat sleeps with me, and the 2 spots were on my legs.
The ointment I use I do not think it is made in the US of A.
I need to check. But not right now.
My best regards.
You are correct.
Ringworm is a fungus.
My point was that CDC is nuts.
“FWIW “ringworm” is a misnomer. It’s a fungal infection treated with anti-fungal meds, and not a worm or any kind of parasite.”
Yes, you are correct. Many of us know that, especially those of us who live in the tropics.
I was slamming CDC for saying our pets can be terrible to our health. The gods forbid. Humans and pets can spread ringworm to one another.
That should be coming soon from the idiots in CDC.
My best regards.
“Sounds awful, but remember, ringworm is actually a fungus, not a worm.”
Thank you for your comment.
Yes, ringworm is a fungus. In the tropics, we live with it all are lives.
My point was that CDC can’t get any dumber about intestinal worms. Next they are going to hit us with ringworm because they will not know the difference.
Another point I was trying to make is “who cares” other than that bloated government office.
I live in Panama. I know what ringworm is all about unfortunately
This fungus is called “ringworm” because it starts in one place. As it grows, it leaves a ring. That circle increases as the fungus grows larger and larger.
It also itches big time.
My best regards.
“Sounds aweful, but remember, ringworm is actually a fungus, not a worm.”
Oh, Scythian. Thank you for your comment.
There is no biggie about it. Two sawbs of ointment and gone.
I am going to confess something to you: I have ringworm infections on each leg which I have had for more than two weeks.
Yawn. When I think about it I’ll put some ointment on it.
are lives. = our lives.
Sorry.
The children going blind from this probably care ....
My dog (and all his littermates) got it as puppies and I dealt with it for a period of several months. What a royal pain.
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