Aspects of Toxocara epidemiology in the Netherlands

Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati are intestinal helminths of, respectively, dogs and cats. Both Toxocara species have, because of their zoonotic significance, important public health consequences. Prevention of infection with Toxocara eggs is based on education (general public, veterinary practitioners and physicians), hygiene and deworming of pets. An overview of the literature of Toxocara infections in dogs and cats and human toxocarosis is given. Little is known about the prevalence of the infection in the different categories of dogs and cats which is a prerequisite to give adequate information. Surveys in the Netherlands are described among privately owned dogs and cats and stray cats, dog breeding kennels and catteries to determine patent infections in dogs and cats and environmental contamination with Toxocara and other nematode eggs in breeding colonies as well as eventual risk factors for infection. Activation of somatic Toxocara larvae followed by a tracheal migration and the development of a patent infection is suggested for cyclic bitches during metoestrus. If this group of animals can be considered as risk factor is investigated by monitoring a group of intact beagles over a two year period by regular faecal examination and determination of serum Toxocara titers during the period following each oestrus. This was compared with similar observations in pregnant bitches. Deworming is considered as an important tool in the treatment of patent nematode infections and the prevention of environmental contamination with Toxocara eggs. The anthelmintic efficacy of oxibendazole against intestinal nematodes of dogs and cats is investigated in a field study among dogs, cats and puppy litters with emphasis on the suppression of egg shedding by young animals. Finally the knowledge of Toxocara epidemiology by veterinary practitioners, physicians, pet owners and non-pet owners is investigated to get a better understanding of the current practices of education and the need for specific information. The effect of the Dutch government education campaign performed in 1993 on awareness of Toxocara and toxocarosis on these groups is involved. Finally the results are discussed in the context of data from the literatur

Awareness and control of canine leishmaniosis: A survey among Spanish and French veterinarians

Zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis (ZVL) is a parasitic disease affecting dogs and humans, which is transmitted by female sandflies. Over the last decade, disease prevalence has increased fivefold in parts of southern Europe, where an estimated 2.5 million dogs are infected. This increase is mainly due to an expansion in sandfly distribution due to climate change and to the greater numbers of dogs travelling among European countries. To combat the spread of ZVL in Europe, international guidelines have been drawn up that describe strategies to prevent, control and monitor the disease. To investigate whether these strategies are being implemented in the field, we conducted an online survey among veterinarians in Spain (endemic for ZVL) and France (south: emerging; north: non-endemic). Of the 889 respondents, 459 veterinarians completed all questions. Although 60% of all veterinarians were aware of the current ZVL increase in Europe, 70% were not familiar with any guidelines for controlling the disease. Most of their preventive and treatment actions were, however, in line with intervention strategies recommended by the guidelines. From the veterinarians in this survey, 76% had received no reports regarding confirmed cases of canine leishmaniosis (CanL) or human visceral leishmaniasis in their region or country. The fact that 88% of confirmed cases of clinical CanL were not reported suggests inadequate disease monitoring and evaluation. We therefore recommend that an easy-to-use and accessible international online network be developed, where both veterinarians and physicians can report confirmed cases of leishmaniosis in dogs and humans. This is crucial for monitoring, controlling and preventing the further spread of ZVL in Europe at regional, national and international level

Human toxocariasis: contribution by Brazilian researchers

In the present paper the main aspects of the natural history of human infection by Toxocara larvae that occasionally result in the occurrence of visceral and/or ocular larva migrans syndrome were reviewed. The contribution by Brazilian researchers was emphasized, especially the staff of the Tropical Medicine Institute of São Paulo (IMT)

Letter: A hundred questions on animal diseases - A critical analysis

Reactie van een dierenarts en een parasitoloog op het artikel '100 vragen over dierziekten' in de Consumentengid

A one health perspective on the human-companion animal relationship with emphasis on zoonotic aspects.

Abstract: Over time the human–animal bond has been changed. For instance, the role of pets has changed from work animals (protecting houses, catching mice) to animals with a social function, giving companionship. Pets can be important for the physical and mental health of their owners but may also transmit zoonotic infections. The One Health initiative is a worldwide strategy for expanding collaborations in all aspects of health care for humans, animals, and the environment. However, in One Health communications the role of particularly dogs and cats is often underestimated. Objective: Evaluation of positive and negative One Health issues of the human–companion animal relationship with a focus on zoonotic aspects of cats and dogs in industrialized countries. Method: Literature review. Results: Pets undoubtedly have a positive effect on human health, while owners are increasing aware of pet’s health and welfare. The changing attitude of humans with regard to pets and their environment can also lead to negativ

Prevalence and zoonotic risks of Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Cheyletiella spp. in guinea pigs and rabbits in Dutch pet shops

Young rabbits and guinea pigs are often purchased as pets for children and may be infected with zoonotic skin infections. To assess the risk of acquiring such an infection from rabbits or guinea pigs, this study investigated the prevalence of the fungus Trichophyton mentagrophytes and the fur mite Cheyletiella parasitovorax in asymptomatic rabbits and guinea pigs in Dutch pet shops. In 91 pet shops a total of 213 rabbits and 179 guinea pigs were sampled using the Mackenzie technique and cultured. Clean cultures were examined microscopically and a PCR was performed on at least one sample from each pet shop. All animals were investigated for fur mite using a flea comb, a magnifying glass and white paper. From the fur of 3.8% (8/213) of the rabbits and 16.8% (30/179) of the guinea pigs, T. mentagrophytes was isolated. From 1 guinea pig (0,6%) Chrysosporium keratinophilum was isolated. Dermatophyte-positive rabbits and guinea pigs originated from 5.6% (5/90) and 27.3% (24/88) of the investigated pet shops, respectively. Fur mites were not found. Pet shops can play an important role in preventing transmission of zoonotic ringworm infections (dermatophytosis) and educating their customers. Specific preventive measures such as routine screening examinations and (prophylactic) treatment of rabbits and guinea pigs are recommended next to regular hygiene when handling animals

Prevalence and zoonotic risks of Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Cheyletiella spp. in guinea pigs and rabbits in Dutch pet shops

Young rabbits and guinea pigs are often purchased as pets for children and may be infected with zoonotic skin infections. To assess the risk of acquiring such an infection from rabbits or guinea pigs, this study investigated the prevalence of the fungus Trichophyton mentagrophytes and the fur mite Cheyletiella parasitovorax in asymptomatic rabbits and guinea pigs in Dutch pet shops. In 91 pet shops a total of 213 rabbits and 179 guinea pigs were sampled using the Mackenzie technique and cultured. Clean cultures were examined microscopically and a PCR was performed on at least one sample from each pet shop. All animals were investigated for fur mite using a flea comb, a magnifying glass and white paper. From the fur of 3.8% (8/213) of the rabbits and 16.8% (30/179) of the guinea pigs, T. mentagrophytes was isolated. From 1 guinea pig (0,6%) Chrysosporium keratinophilum was isolated. Dermatophyte-positive rabbits and guinea pigs originated from 5.6% (5/90) and 27.3% (24/88) of the investigated pet shops, respectively. Fur mites were not found. Pet shops can play an important role in preventing transmission of zoonotic ringworm infections (dermatophytosis) and educating their customers. Specific preventive measures such as routine screening examinations and (prophylactic) treatment of rabbits and guinea pigs are recommended next to regular hygiene when handling animals

Zoonotic parasites in fecal samples and fur from dogs and cats in The Netherlands

Pets may carry zoonotic pathogens for which owners are at risk. The aim of the study is to investigate whether healthy pets harbour zoonotic parasitic infections and to make an inventory of the interactions between pet-owners and their companion animals in the Netherlands. Fecal and hair samples were collected from healthy household dogs and cats in Dutch veterinary practices. Owners were interviewed about interaction with their pets. The samples were investigated by microscopy, ELISA, and PCR. From 159 households, 152 dogs (D) and 60 cats (C), information and samples were collected and examination for several zoonotic parasites was performed. Toxocara eggs were found in 4.4% (D) and 4.6% (C) of the fecal samples and in 12.2% (D) and 3.4% (C) of the fur samples. The median epg in the fur was 17 (D) and 28 (C) and none of these eggs were viable. From 15.2% of the dog and 13.6% of the cat feces Giardia was isolated. One canine and one feline Giardia isolate was a zoonotic assemblage A (12%). Cryptosporidium sp. were present in 8.7% (D) and 4.6% (C) of the feces. Fifty percent of the owners allow the pet to lick their faces. Sixty percent of the pets visit the bedroom; 45¿60% (D¿C) are allowed on the bed, and 18¿30% (D¿C) sleep with the owner in bed. Six percent of the pets always sleep in the bedroom. Of the cats, 45% are allowed to jump onto the kitchen sink. Nearly 39% of the dog owners never clean up the feces of their dog. Fifteen percent of the dog owners and 8% of the cat owners always wash their hands after contact with the animals. Close physical contact between owners and their pets is common and poses an increased risk of transmission of zoonotic pathogens. Education of owners by the vet, specifically about hygiene and potential risks, is require

Zoonotic parasites in fecal samples and fur from dogs and cats in The Netherlands.

Pets may carry zoonotic pathogens for which owners are at risk. The aim of the study is to investigate whether healthy pets harbour zoonotic parasitic infections and to make an inventory of the interactions between pet-owners and their companion animals in The Netherlands. Fecal and hair samples were collected from healthy household dogs and cats in Dutch veterinary practices. Owners were interviewed about interaction with their pets. The samples were investigated by microscopy, ELISA, and PCR. From 159 households, 152 dogs (D) and 60 cats (C), information and samples were collected and examination for several zoonotic parasites was performed. Toxocara eggs were found in 4.4% (D) and 4.6% (C) of the fecal samples and in 12.2% (D) and 3.4% (C) of the fur samples. The median epg in the fur was 17 (D) and 28 (C) and none of these eggs were viable. From 15.2% of the dog and 13.6% of the cat feces Giardia was isolated. One canine and one feline Giardia isolate was a zoonotic assemblage A (12%). Cryptosporidium sp. were present in 8.7% (D) and 4.6% (C) of the feces. Fifty percent of the owners allow the pet to lick their faces. Sixty percent of the pets visit the bedroom; 45-60% (D-C) are allowed on the bed, and 18-30% (D-C) sleep with the owner in bed. Six percent of the pets always sleep in the bedroom. Of the cats, 45% are allowed to jump onto the kitchen sink. Nearly 39% of the dog owners never clean up the feces of their dog. Fifteen percent of the dog owners and 8% of the cat owners always wash their hands after contact with the animals. Close physical contact between owners and their pets is common and poses an increased risk of transmission of zoonotic pathogens. Education of owners by the vet, specifically about hygiene and potential risks, is required