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| Toxocara: The Facts |
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Click to go: Articles > Toxocara: The Facts
What is toxocara?
Toxocariasis is a zoonotic (animal to human) infection caused by the parasitic
roundworms commonly found in the intestine of dogs (Toxocara canis) and cats (T.
cati). Toxocara eggs are passed in the faeces of infected dogs, sometimes
contaminating children’s hands as they play. If infective eggs are then swallowed,
there is a slight possibility of an illness referred to as toxocariasis.
How common is toxocariasis?
In the United States alone, an estimated 10,000 cases of Toxocara infections occur
yearly in humans. On the rare occasions when human infection occurs, it usually only
100 healthy adults in the US who have previously been exposed to infection with no ill
effects.
Can toxocariasis cause blindness?
Total blindness from Toxocara infection is exceptional. It is rare even for the sight of
one eye to be totally lost, though vision can be impaired. However, even one case is
too many. It is so simple and easy to prevent following the regular worming of dogs
and cats.
What can I do to prevent anyone catching toxocariasis?
Toxocariasis is easily preventable. If you are a dog owner, make sure that you worm
your dog regularly. A better alternative is to train a dog at an early stage to ‘go’ on
command at home. Whatever the situation always clear up the feces after your dog
with a poop-scoop and dispose of them properly. Children should be reminded to wash
their hands after stroking a pet, before eating and especially if they’ve been playing
outside.
I think my child may have eaten some dog feces – what should I do?
There is very little risk of Toxocara infection, however you are advised to take your
child along to your doctor for advice and any appropriate treatment.
How often should I worm my dog/puppy?
It is important to worm pregnant or nursing bitches and especially young puppies,
which are more likely to be handled by young children. Adult dogs should be wormed
every three months to prevent infection. Puppies should be wormed from the age of
two weeks, every two weeks, until the age of 12 weeks
Toxocariasis is a zoonotic (animal to human) infection caused by the parasitic
roundworms commonly found in the intestine of dogs (Toxocara canis) and cats (T.
cati). Toxocara eggs are passed in the faeces of infected dogs, sometimes
contaminating children’s hands as they play. If infective eggs are then swallowed,
there is a slight possibility of an illness referred to as toxocariasis.
How common is toxocariasis?
In the United States alone, an estimated 10,000 cases of Toxocara infections occur
yearly in humans. On the rare occasions when human infection occurs, it usually only
100 healthy adults in the US who have previously been exposed to infection with no ill
effects.
Can toxocariasis cause blindness?
Total blindness from Toxocara infection is exceptional. It is rare even for the sight of
one eye to be totally lost, though vision can be impaired. However, even one case is
too many. It is so simple and easy to prevent following the regular worming of dogs
and cats.
What can I do to prevent anyone catching toxocariasis?
Toxocariasis is easily preventable. If you are a dog owner, make sure that you worm
your dog regularly. A better alternative is to train a dog at an early stage to ‘go’ on
command at home. Whatever the situation always clear up the feces after your dog
with a poop-scoop and dispose of them properly. Children should be reminded to wash
their hands after stroking a pet, before eating and especially if they’ve been playing
outside.
I think my child may have eaten some dog feces – what should I do?
There is very little risk of Toxocara infection, however you are advised to take your
child along to your doctor for advice and any appropriate treatment.
How often should I worm my dog/puppy?
It is important to worm pregnant or nursing bitches and especially young puppies,
which are more likely to be handled by young children. Adult dogs should be wormed
every three months to prevent infection. Puppies should be wormed from the age of
two weeks, every two weeks, until the age of 12 weeks
