Parasites, People and Pets
10/13/04

Three to six Million people are infected with roundworm larvae from animals every year in the United States.  The migration of these larvae in humans can cause permanent brain damage, blindness, liver and lung damage, intestinal disease, and even death.  Blood testing in people reveal infection rates as high as 23% in some areas of the U.S.  Hookworm larvae from pets can cause a potentially disfiguring skin disease.  These diseases are completely preventable and often under diagnosed by human health professionals.

Your first line of defense is good sanitary practices that become habitual family rituals.  Frequent hand washing and daily removal of fecal material from yards (at least weekly) are the mainstays of good sanitation.   Children’s sand boxes should be covered when not in use as these are favorite cat latrines.  Adult roundworms produce 30,000 eggs in a single gram of feces with an average infection.  These eggs can survive for years in the environment.  The only practical means of removing them is to burn the soil or remove the first 5 to 6 inches.

Clearly, parasite treatment and prevention in our pets becomes of paramount importance.  Puppies and kittens require the most aggressive approach.  The Companion Animal Parasite Council recommends deworming puppies and kittens at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks of age.  Most pets get their first examination by a veterinarian at 6 to 8 weeks of age at which time a deworming program should be instituted regardless of fecal examination results.  Regular use of monthly broad spectrum parasite preventative year round and at least annual fecal parasite exams are also highly recommended.

There are very good broad spectrum parasite preventatives available through your veterinarian.  He or she is in the best position to advise you on what parasite prevention program is best for your family.  Our pets give us so much love, dedication and companionship we owe it to ourselves as well as them to insure that they are healthy and parasite free.