Role of pet dogs and cats in the transmission of helminthic zoonoses in Europe, with a focus on echinococcosis and toxocarosis |
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| Authors: | Deplazes Peter van Knapen Frans Schweiger Alexander Overgaauw Paul A M |
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| Institution: | a Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
b Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Division Veterinary Public Health, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80175, 3508 TD, Utrecht, The Netherlands |
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| 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. |
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| Keywords: | Pets Zoonoses Epidemiology Diagnoses Toxocara canis Toxocara cati Echinococcus multilocularis Echinococcus granulosus Control |
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