Posted on 10/08/2026 1:37:03 PM PDT by BenLurkin
About 1 in 15 house cats may be carrying a common intestinal parasite that can also infect humans, according to a new study examining more than 157,000 cats across North America.
Researchers found that 6.3% of cats tested positive for Giardia duodenalis, a microscopic parasite that causes an intestinal illness commonly known as “beaver fever.” Nearly one in five infected cats carried strains with the potential to spread to humans.
The findings, published Wednesday in the peer-reviewed journal PLOS One, also revealed that kittens younger than 1 year old were significantly more likely to test positive than older cats.
Researchers analyzed stool samples collected between March 2022 and August 2023 from cats across the United States and Canada. While some samples contained strains capable of infecting humans, the study did not establish whether any cats actually transmitted the parasite to their owners.
Giardiasis, commonly called “beaver fever,” is an intestinal illness caused by the Giardia parasite, according to the New York State Department of Health.
The parasite spreads through fecal contamination, often when someone accidentally swallows contaminated water. It can also spread through contaminated food, surfaces and objects, including those exposed to infected animal waste.
(Excerpt) Read more at ktla.com ...
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Here for the “beaver” jokes.
Stuff some Ivermectin into your favorite beaver or puss.
Well I make a pussy purr
With the stroke of my hand
They know they’re gettin’ it from me
And they know just where to go
When they need their lovin’ man
They know I’m doin’ it for free
They give me Cat Scratch Fever
Cat Scratch Fever
I got it bad scratch fever
Cat Scratch Fever
Imported by contaminated pet treats from China?
I’ve had that for years.
Oddly, most guys have “beaver fever” starting about age 13 for some reason. Incurable.
Is that they call that now?
She’s got the beaver fever
She likes to beaver down
Beaver fever
I think it’s going around
How many more parasites will be discovered before election day? Commies are carriers.
It’s a noble creature
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knobmUd-r5E
https://www.cdc.gov/giardia/causes/index.html
Per the above...
“...If your pet has a Giardia infection
Although animals can spread Giardia to people, you are unlikely to get a Giardia infection from dogs or cats. The type of Giardia that makes people sick is usually not the same type that makes dogs and cats sick...”
https://www.cdc.gov/immigrant-refugee-health/hcp/domestic-guidance/intestinal-parasites.html
Per the above...
“...Giardia is the most prevalent pathogenic intestinal parasite among newly arrived refugees. There have been no reported outbreaks of giardial infection linked to refugees...”
Funny how that works, eh?
It’s not the putty tats.
Gotta admit, that was pretty funny.
I knew that Giff would appear in this thread!
Thankfully, I don’t ingest cat poo.
Long time ago, this was my favorite song 😺
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