Attack of the Worms
Attack of the Worms - Press Release
PET OWNERS IN THE NORTH WEST ARE UNAWARE OF PARASITE RISK, SURVEY SHOWS
An estimated 1.5 million UK dogs have undetected, or simply untreated, parasitic worms at any one time - potentially, putting their owners, and owners families, at risk of infection.
And although dogs have traditionally been considered the main source of human infection, researchers now say that cats are just as likely to be to blame.
A nationwide survey has revealed that pet owners in the North West are below the national average in several key areas. The research issued today (January 19), is from a survey which quizzed over 1,200 owners nationwide about their knowledge of Roundworm, and specifically one type - Toxocara; this is the most prevalent Roundworm in pets in the UK and the one most likely to infect humans.
In the worst case scenarios, Toxocara infection in humans can lead to blindness - it is estimated that there are around 50 - 60 cases of eye damage or blindness per year.
TV vet David Grant, one of the vets who is keen to increase owner awareness of the potential problems, said: "The good news is that the treatment is quick and easy, and the thing to do is to discuss it with the vet and get some advice."
"Puppies and kittens suffering from Toxocara may be sick, fail to thrive, and may develop pot bellies. Adult pets, on the other hand, may appear to be perfectly healthy, yet still carry the worms and pass infections."
Nationally, of the survey respondents, 43% had never heard of Toxocara and 86% of those with pets under six months of age - when they are particularly vulnerable, said they believed that their pet was not infected. Experts say that these figures will represent gross underestimates of the actual level of infection.
Other highlights from the North West region: 45% claimed to treat their pet for roundworm every 3Lj months (compared with 49% nationally)- 34% had heard of Toxocara (30% nationally) but did not know how infection occurred - it is by swallowing infected eggs - and 50% did not know the health risks of Toxocara to humans (53% nationally).
Kittens and puppies can be infected through the mothers milk, and puppies can also be infected even when in the womb. Adult dogs and cats mainly pick up infectious worm eggs from the soil, where they have been deposited in faeces and may lie for some years. After two to three weeks, these eggs become infectious and are a risk to both pets and humans.
It is now known that dogs can carry Toxocara eggs - which are sticky - in their fur, one of the main ways that children petting their animals can come into contact with the infectious eggs.
A common cause of infection, is through dropping food in areas where infectious eggs lay waiting. Lollipops are a prime example, where children often drop them on the floor (whether in the house, garden or park) and then put them back into their mouths, without considering the risk of infection. Adults are more likely to be infected when coming into contact with soil containing infectious eggs, and then not washing their hands before eating, or biting their nails.
Traditionally, vets have advised that pet owners use a wormer against Toxocara every three months, if their pet is at risk of Toxocara infection, (and most pets which venture out of doors are at risk) but the advice has recently been tightened up - the recommended frequency of dosing is now monthly. However, most pets are infected with eggs at a very early stage, (2 - 12 weeks for puppies and 3 - 12 weeks for kittens), where the recommended dosing is twice a month.
Maggie Fisher, a leading expert and researcher on worm parasites, said: "Toxocara is not something to be alarmed about, rather knowing about it and taking appropriate measures to protect your pets health, and human health at the same time, is part of responsible dog and cat ownership."
Pet owners can obtain information and advice on the control of Toxocara from Pennine Vets on 01204 886655, by visiting the surgery in Tottington or by visiting attackoftheworms.penninevets.co.uk
What do I worm my cat or dog with?
See our video - Attack of the Worms
Press Release - Attack of the Worms @ Pennine Vets
Press Release - Worms in the North West