Pets or pests - Toxocara Canis - The Facts
There can be little doubt that fouling of pavements and public places by dogs is something which - quite rightly - annoys the large majority of the public. If offenders could be taught to change their ways the case against the dog would largely disappear. But, of course, it is not just the fouling itself but the fear of disease which may be passed to humans, particularly children, that worries people most.
Toxocariasis is caused by the roundworm toxocara canis, present in dogs. Humans can become infected by swallowing toxocara eggs which are found in dog faeces. After hatching, the larvae wander through the human body causing a variety of symptoms including damage to the eye. The life cycle is not completed in people and never results in worms.
Can children go blind?
Despite scare headlines in the newspapers, total blindness from toxocara infection is exceptional. It is rare even for the sight of one eye to be totally lost though vision in one eye can be impaired.
How many cases occur in a year?
There are about 120 recorded cases per year in the UK very few of which are serious. However, even one case is one case too many and with basic hygiene practices and regular worming of dogs and cats the disease is easily preventable.
How is the infection caught?
You can only get the disease by ingesting, or swallowing eggs from faeces. Freshly deposited faeces pose no threat, the eggs only become infective after about three weeks, hence if the mess is cleared immediately there is no danger.
Why are children more at risk?
Children, especially toddlers, crawl on grass in gardens and parks. They may pick up the toxocara canis eggs on their hands and then put fingers in their mouths. With proper measures such as cleaning up after dogs in these areas and keeping children's sandpits covered when not in use etc, the risk would be even less.
It is important that children should be taught to wash their hands regularly after playing with animals and always before eating.
Worms are present in greatest numbers in bitches who are nursing puppies and the puppies themselves. The best way to cut down the amount of eggs is to worm puppies and bitches fortnightly. This should be done from when the puppies are 2-3 weeks old until they reach 6 months with worming preparations from your vet, the chemist or pet shop. All dogs and cats should be wormed routinely twice a year after that.
For further information on dog related issues please contact us on 01329 236100 or e-mail regulatory@fareham.gov.uk
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