TOXOCARIASIS (Toxocara canis, T. cati)
• Roundworms infesting dogs and cats are an important and common helminth zoonosis globally. • Human toxocariasis is a parasitic infection caused by the migrating larvae of Toxocara species and is associated with a range of clinical syndromes, with children noted to be more commonly affected.
ACAZAP RECOMMENDATIONS
• In general, puppies and kittens should be dewormed fortnightly until eight weeks of age, preferably with a product with activity against adult and immature worms. 1 • Given that the prepatent period of Toxocara canis is approximately five weeks (following ingestion of eggs) and Toxocara cati five to eight weeks, monthly deworming of dogs and cats is recommended to reduce environmental contamination and minimise zoonotic risk. • Adult dogs and cats, depending on health and lifestyle factors, should have a faecal flotation performed yearly, with puppies and kittens tested more frequently than adult animals. • Do not feed raw meat or allow dogs and cats to hunt as many animals, birds and molluscs act as paratenic hosts for Toxocara spp. • Close supervision of children is essential to minimise risk of oral exposure to contaminated material (e.g. soil, sand). • Prompt removal of faeces on a daily basis is recommended. Dog owners should remove faeces from public areas. • Ensure good hygiene practices are followed, including washing hands after handling pets, playing outdoors, and prior to eating. • Cover sandpits and protect playgrounds and garden areas. Do not allow children to play in areas contaminated with animal faeces. • Juvenile animals have the highest prevalence of patent infestation. Higher risk individuals may consider adopting older animals or should take particular care if adopting a young animal.
Sandpits should be covered when not in use to minimise contamination with animal faeces
• Veterinarians should educate dog owners regarding the potential risks of improper parasite control in dogs. • Albendazole and mebendazole are frequently used anthelmintics in humans, effective for treating adult nematodes located within the gastrointestinal tract. As T. canis and T. cati do not develop past the larval stage in humans, the routine use of albendazole or mebendazole will have no effect on preventing or managing toxocariasis in humans and is therefore not recommended for this purpose.
CONTENTS
83 Companion Animal Zoonoses Guidelines
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