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Role of pet dogs and cats in the transmission of helminthic zoonoses in Europe, with a focus on echinococcosis and toxocarosis.
- Source :
-
Veterinary parasitology [Vet Parasitol] 2011 Nov 24; Vol. 182 (1), pp. 41-53. Date of Electronic Publication: 2011 Jul 12. - Publication Year :
- 2011
-
Abstract
- The close emotional tie between people and companion animals is a beneficial relation known as the human-animal bond. However, pet dogs and cats can play an important role in the transmission of helminthic zoonotic agents such as the tapeworms Echinococcus and the roundworms Toxocara which are directly transmitted from pets to the human environment without the involvement of vectors or intermediate hosts. In humans, echinococcosis has emerged in Europe and toxocarosis is still persisting in large endemic areas despite the availability of highly efficient anthelminthics for dogs and cats. Ecological changes significantly contributed to these trends: the high wild fox populations and the high density of freely roaming dogs and cats maintain a permanent infection pressure of these and other parasites. Further, the establishment of urban recreational environments closer to natural ecological systems boosted vole populations that represent urban reservoirs for zoonotic helminths. A good understanding of the parasites' biology and epidemiology including the transmission to humans is required for planning and implementing effective prevention strategies. The continuous education of veterinarians and the information of the pet owners by providing uniform recommendations are of priority importance. A close collaboration between veterinary and public health professionals in a 'One Health' concept is required.<br /> (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)
- Subjects :
- Animals
Cat Diseases transmission
Cats
Dog Diseases transmission
Dogs
Echinococcosis parasitology
Echinococcosis transmission
Europe epidemiology
Humans
Prevalence
Toxocariasis transmission
Zoonoses transmission
Cat Diseases parasitology
Dog Diseases parasitology
Echinococcosis veterinary
Pets parasitology
Toxocariasis parasitology
Zoonoses parasitology
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1873-2550
- Volume :
- 182
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Veterinary parasitology
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 21813243
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.07.014