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Otranto D, Mendoza-Roldan JA, Beugnet F, Baneth G, Dantas-Torres F. New paradigms in the prevention of canine vector-borne diseases. Trends Parasitol 2024; 40:500-510. [PMID: 38744542 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2024.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
The prevention of canine vector-borne diseases (CVBDs) is pivotal for the health and welfare of dogs as well as for reducing their zoonotic risk to humans. Scientific knowledge gained in recent years contributed to the development of new strategies for the control of these diseases in different social and cultural contexts. Here, we discuss recent advances in the prevention of vector-borne pathogens (VBPs) affecting dogs with a focus on those of zoonotic relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy; Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China.
| | | | | | - Gad Baneth
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, Hebrew University, Rehovot, Israel
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Perkins R, Goulson D. To flea or not to flea: survey of UK companion animal ectoparasiticide usage and activities affecting pathways to the environment. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15561. [PMID: 37554336 PMCID: PMC10405796 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to the convenience and efficacy of modern ectoparasiticides, routine prophylactic use has become commonplace for dogs and cats. However, the environmental consequences of this large-scale use are not well-understood, and multiple potential pathways for ectoparasiticides to the environment exist. Of particular concern is the potential for topically applied ectoparasiticides to pass to waterways, both down-the-drain via wastewater treatment plants and directly through swimming. In this online cross-sectional survey of 1,009 UK cat and dog owners, we investigated ectoparasiticide usage and the frequency of activities that are likely to result in transfer of the active substance to the environment, with a focus on pathways to waterways. A total of 603 dog owners and 406 cat owners completed the survey. Amongst dog and cat owners, 86.1% and 91.1% had administered an ectoparasiticide treatment to their pet in the preceding 12 months. Imidacloprid was the most frequently administered ectoparasiticide in both cats and dogs, followed by fluralaner in dogs and fipronil in cats. Eighty-four percent of owners who applied topical ectoparasiticides to their dog said they were aware of product warnings regarding swimming and bathing after application. Spot-on treated dogs were reported to swim significantly less frequently than non spot-on treated dogs (p = 0.007); however, 36.2% were reported to swim at least monthly. Similarly, significant differences were found in bathing frequency between spot-on treated and non spot-on treated dogs, with treated dogs less likely to be bathed at frequent (weekly) intervals, however 54.6% were reported to be bathed at least monthly. Washing of bedding was unaffected by ectoparasiticide treatment, and 87.8% of dog owners and 69.1% of cat-owners reported washing their pet's bedding at least every 3 months, suggesting that residue washoff from bedding may be occurring for most topically treated animals. Results suggest that transfer of ectoparasiticides to the environment is likely to occur for many of the millions of animals treated annually in the UK, with imidacloprid spot-on treated dogs estimated to swim, be bathed and have their bedding washed over 3.3 million, 5 million and 6.3 million times per year, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosemary Perkins
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Dave Goulson
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
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Farrell S, McGarry J, Noble PM, Pinchbeck GJ, Cantwell S, Radford AD, Singleton DA. Seasonality and other risk factors for fleas infestations in domestic dogs and cats. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2023; 37:359-370. [PMID: 36621899 PMCID: PMC10946788 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Fleas in the genus Ctenocephalides are the most clinically important parasitic arthropods of dogs and cats worldwide yet risk factors that might increase the risk of infestation in small animals remains unclear. Here we developed a supervised text mining approach analysing key aspects of flea epidemiology using electronic health records from domestic cats and dogs seen at a sentinel network of 191 voluntary veterinary practices across Great Britain between March 2014 and July 2020. Our methods identified fleas as likely to have been present during 22,276 of 1,902,016 cat consultations (1.17%) and 12,168 of 4,844,850 dog consultations (0.25%). Multivariable logistic regression modelling found that animals originating from areas of least deprivation were associated with 50% reductions in odds of veterinary-recorded flea infestation compared to the most deprived regions in England. Age of the animal was significantly associated with flea presentation in both cats and dogs, with cases peaking before animals reached 12 months. Cases were recorded through each study years, peaking between July and October, with fluctuations between each year. Our findings can be used towards healthcare messaging for veterinary practitioners and owners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean Farrell
- School of BiosciencesUniversity of KentCanterburyKentUK
| | - John McGarry
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological SciencesUniversity of LiverpoolNestonUK
| | | | - Gina J. Pinchbeck
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological SciencesUniversity of LiverpoolNestonUK
| | - Sophie Cantwell
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological SciencesUniversity of LiverpoolNestonUK
| | - Alan D. Radford
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological SciencesUniversity of LiverpoolNestonUK
| | - David A. Singleton
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological SciencesUniversity of LiverpoolNestonUK
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Bagster A, Elsheikha H. Perception of UK companion animal veterinarians on risk assessment based parasite control. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2022; 34:100774. [PMID: 36041809 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2022.100774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Parasites can pose a risk to companion animals and potentially their owners. Current parasiticide use is possibly impacting the environment, increasing adverse reaction and resistance risk. As such parasiticides should be dispensed by the veterinary team proportional to individual risk, including owners in their approach. A mixed-methods questionnaire was designed and distributed using snowball sampling to ascertain overall awareness, observance, and attitude towards utilising a risk assessment based approach to parasite prophylaxis by UK companion animal veterinarians. 85.7% of veterinarians surveyed reported that they were aware of risk assessment based parasite control whereas only 53.9% said they utilise it always or often. Significant correlations were found between more frequent risk assessment based parasite control utilisation and increased owner involvement (P = 0.0007) and prescription confidence (P = 0.0001). Most attitudes towards adopting risk assessment based parasite control were positive. There was significant association with positive attitude and greater utilisation frequency (P = 0.0010), as well as working in corporate practice (P = 0.0126). Awareness of risk assessment based parasite control has potential to increase responsible utilisation of parasiticides by veterinarians, and therefore mitigate risks associated. Most veterinarians would like to see the profession move towards risk assessment based control use, but institutional changes are required. Further research, and education is also needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Bagster
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicestershire LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Hany Elsheikha
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicestershire LE12 5RD, UK.
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Genchi M, Vismarra A, Zanet S, Morelli S, Galuppi R, Cringoli G, Lia R, Diaferia M, Frangipane di Regalbono A, Venegoni G, Solari Basano F, Varcasia A, Perrucci S, Musella V, Brianti E, Gazzonis A, Drigo M, Colombo L, Kramer L. Prevalence and risk factors associated with cat parasites in Italy: a multicenter study. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:475. [PMID: 34526126 PMCID: PMC8441231 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04981-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Parasites that infect cats include protozoa, helminths and arthropods, many of which are transmissible to humans. Effective control relies on a good knowledge of parasite distribution and the risk factors for infection. The present study was aimed at evaluating the prevalence of major feline parasites in Italy and the risk factors associated with their occurrence. Methods Over a 12-month study period, feces, hair and ectoparasites from naturally infected cats from feral colonies, shelters and private households were analyzed at 13 study centers across Italy. Samples from these cats (n = 987) were analyzed at all centers using the same diagnostic methods. Prevalence values and risk factors were evaluated statistically for the identification of predictors of risk. Results The overall prevalence of gastro-intestinal and broncho-pulmonary (BP) nematodes was 35.9% (354/987). Toxocara cati was the most prevalent species (253/987; 25.6%), followed by Ancylostomatidae (98/987; 9.9%). Among BP nematodes, Aelurostrongylus abstrusus was the most common (76/987; 7.7%). Approximately 35.7% (352/987) of the study population was infested by ectoparasites, of which the most common were fleas (29.4%, 290/987), followed by ear mites Otodectes cynotis (9.8%, 97/987). Predictors of risk for parasite infection included age, a predominantly or exclusively outdoor lifestyle, geographic area and lack of antiparasitic treatment. Conclusions Both ecto- and endoparasites are still common in cats throughout Italy, many of them being of zoonotic concern and vectors of pathogens to humans. Given the presence of parasites throughout the entire study period, year-round treatment should be considered. Furthermore, data confirm the need to protect the human–animal bond using proper endo- and ectoparasiticides to reduce the risk of human infection, in application of the One-Health concept. Graphical abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-021-04981-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Genchi
- Dipartimento Di Scienze Medico-Veterinarie, Università Di Parma, via del Taglio, 10, 43126, Parma, Italy
| | - Alice Vismarra
- Dipartimento Di Scienze Medico-Veterinarie, Università Di Parma, via del Taglio, 10, 43126, Parma, Italy
| | - Stefania Zanet
- Dipartimento Di Scienze Veterinarie, Università Di Torino, L.Go Braccini, 2, 10095, Grugliasco, TO, Italy
| | - Simone Morelli
- Facoltà Di Medicina Veterinaria, Università Degli Studi Di Teramo, 64100, Teramo, Località Piano d'Accio, Italy
| | - Roberta Galuppi
- Dipartimento Di Scienze Mediche Veterinarie, Università Di Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra, 50, Ozzano Emilia, 40064, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cringoli
- Dipartimento Di Medicina Veterinaria E Produzioni Animali, Università Di Napoli Federico II, Via Federico Delpino 1, 80137, Naples, Italy
| | - Riccardo Lia
- Dipartimento Di Medicina Veterinaria, Università Degli Studi Di Bari, Valenzano, 70010, Bari, Italy
| | - Manuela Diaferia
- Dipartimento Di Medicina Veterinaria, Università Degli Studi Di Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126, Perugia, Italy
| | - Antonio Frangipane di Regalbono
- Dipartimento Di Medicina Animale, Produzioni E Salute, Università Degli Studi Di Padova, Viale dell'Università, 16, 35020, Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | | | | | - Antonio Varcasia
- Dipartimento Di Medicina Veterinaria, Università Degli Studi Di Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Stefania Perrucci
- Dipartimento Di Scienze Veterinarie, Università Degli Studi Di Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Musella
- Dipartimento Di Scienze Della Salute, Università Di Catanzaro Magna Graecia, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Emanuele Brianti
- Dipartimento Di Scienze Veterinarie, Università Degli Studi Di Messina, 98168, Messina, Italy
| | - Alessia Gazzonis
- Dipartimento Di Medicina Veterinaria, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, via dell'Università 6, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Michele Drigo
- Dipartimento Di Medicina Animale, Produzioni E Salute, Università Degli Studi Di Padova, Viale dell'Università, 16, 35020, Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | - Liliana Colombo
- MSD Animal Health, Via Fratelli Cervi, 20090, Segrate, MI, Italy
| | - Laura Kramer
- Dipartimento Di Scienze Medico-Veterinarie, Università Di Parma, via del Taglio, 10, 43126, Parma, Italy.
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