Survey of European pet owners quantifying endoparasitic infection risk and implications for deworming recommendations

Canine gastrointestinal parasites perceptions, practices, and behaviours: A survey of dog owners in Australia

Many species of canine gastrointestinal (GI) parasites are known to be zoonotic meaning that dog owners' management and practices are key to preventing exposure of humans and dogs as well as contamination of the environment. As Australia has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world, we administered an online questionnaire to dog owners across the nation to assess their perceptions, practices, and behaviours towards canine GI parasites. Descriptive analysis was performed to summarise perceptions and management practices. Factors associated with the suitability of parasiticide treatments applied were investigated using uni- and multivariable ordinal regression. Just over a half of dog owners considered parasites as very or extremely important for their dog's health (59%) and less than a half as very or extremely important for human health (46%). Although the majority of dog owners stated that they deworm their dogs (90%), only the 28% followed best practice guidelines, i.e. administered a monthly prophylactic treatment all-year round. A large proportion of respondent dog owners administered prophylactic treatment at an inappropriate frequency (48%) or did not treat for canine GI parasites at all (24%). Attending vet visits at least once a year or once every six months and having a very comfortable or prosperous financial position were significantly associated with following best deworming prophylaxis guidelines. This study demonstrates that a proportion of dog owners in Australia is not complying with best practice regarding the control of canine GI parasites and is potentially exposing themselves and their dogs to the risk of infections. Veterinarians are called to implement dog owner's education, raise their awareness on the threats canine parasitic diseases pose to both dogs and humans and finally, encourage them to follow a monthly prophylactic treatment for canine GI parasites all year round.

Caring for Canines: A Survey of Dog Ownership and Parasite Control Practices in Ireland

Dogs are an important part of life for many people. Dog ownership can confer various health benefits to their owners, but it also presents some risks. In order to establish if dog owners were aware of these risks, an online survey of dog ownership practices was carried out. The survey was open during the month of January 2022 and received 662 responses regarding 850 individual dogs. Overall, 52% of people reported deworming their dog between zero and twice a year, which is unlikely to reduce the risk of infection to humans. The majority of dog owners (71%) reported disposing of faeces correctly; however, when comparing urban and rural environments, 33% of those in rural environments did not dispose of their dogs' faeces at all, compared with 3% of people in urban locations. People who obtained their dog during the pandemic brought their dog to the vet and dewormed them more frequently than those who obtained their dog before the pandemic. There were no differences in how faeces was disposed of between these groups. These results indicate that we, as researchers and veterinarians, have much work to do in terms of educating dog owners about the ways in which we can reduce the risk of infection to ourselves and our communities.

Is there any change in the prevalence of intestinal or cardiopulmonary parasite infections in companion animals (dogs and cats) in Germany between 2004-2006 and 2015-2017? An assessment of the impact of the first ESCCAP guidelines

Main objective of the present nationwide study was to assess the impact of the ESCCAP guideline for the control of worm infections in dogs and cats 8-10 years after its first publication in Germany. A secondary aim was to determine the prevalence of canine and feline cardiopulmonary nematodes and intestinal protozoa. Faecal samples of 53,693 dogs and 26,491 cats in 2004-2006 as well as of 129,578 dogs and 45,709 cats in 2015-2017 routinely submitted by veterinarians to a private veterinary laboratory were examined using appropriate parasitological methods. In dogs, the prevalence of Toxocara and taeniid egg shedding was significantly lower in 2015-2017 (3.8 % and 0.16 %, respectively) than in 2004-2006 (4.6 % and 0.27 %, respectively). The prevalence of hookworm and Capillaria eggs was higher in the second study period (2.3 % and 0.77 %, respectively) than in the first (1.3 % and 0.6 %, respectively). For Toxascaris leonina (0.55-0.6 %) and Trichuris (0.8-0.9 %), the difference was not significant between the study periods. Dogs shed more often Angiostrongylus vasorum larvae in the second study (3.1 %) than in the first (1.0 %), whereas the prevalence of Crenosoma vulpis did not change significantly (2.2-2.6 %). Cystoisospora canis and C. ohioensis-like infections were less detected in the second study period (1.0 % and 2.1 %, respectively) than in the first (1.8 % and 2.7 %, respectively). Neospora-like oocysts and Sarcocystis sporocysts were more prevalent in the second study period (0.19 % and 0.13 %, respectively) than in the first (0.13 % and 0.06 %, respectively). The percentage of Giardia or Cryptosporidium coproantigen-positive samples was lower in the second study period (18.9 % and 6.7 %, respectively) than in the first (22.8 % and 10.0 %, respectively). In cats, the prevalence of egg shedding of T. cati, Capillaria and taeniids was significantly lower in 2015-2017 (3.5 %, 0.25 % and 0.1 %, respectively) than in 2004-2006 (4.8 %, 0.54 % and 0.22 %, respectively). No difference was recorded for hookworms (0.12-0.13 %) and Ts. leonina (0.04-0.05 %). Aelurostrongylus-like larvae were detected more often in the second study period (6.5 %) than in the first (2.6 %). Infections with Cystoisospora felis, C. rivolta, Toxoplasma-like coccids and Sarcocystis were less prevalent in the second study period (1.9 %, 0.7 %, 0.24 % and 0.02 %, respectively) than in the first (2.7 %, 1.1 %, 0.36 % and 0.1 %, respectively). The percentage of Giardia or Cryptosporidium coproantigen-positive samples was significantly lower in the second study period (10.6 % and 4.8 %, respectively) than in the first (15.4 % and 8.3 %, respectively). Although these results indicate a decline of the occurrence of most canine and feline intestinal parasites in Germany over the years, a transmission risk of zoonotic parasites remains. Therefore, the control of helminth infections in domestic dogs and cats continues to be a challenge for veterinarians and pet owners.

Zoonotic Risks of Sleeping with Pets

Background: Pets are increasingly becoming part of the family and interactions between pets and their owners is changing. This results in extended and more intimate contact between owners and their pets, which give rise to zoonotic risks. Objective: To establish the presence of potential zoonotic pathogens in pets that sleep with their owner. Methods: As a pilot study, a group of 28 healthy dogs and 22 healthy cats were monitored for the presence of the zoonotic parasites Cheyletiella, Ctenocephalides spp. and Toxocara spp., the dermatophyte Microsporum canis, and the bacteria Clostridium difficile, Salmonella spp., Campylobacter jejuni and Enterobacteriaceae. This was investigated by taking samples from the fur, the footpads and the animal bed. The owners filled in a questionnaire. Results: In total, 29 of the 50 pets (58%) slept on the bed, of which 15 pets (30%) slept in the bed (under the blankets). A total of 19/22 dogs (86%) and 7/22 cats (32%) tested positive for Enterobacteriaceae on the fur or footpads. Fleas were found in 5/22 of the cats’ (23%) and 2/28 of the dogs’ (7%) favourite sleeping spots. High levels of aerobic colonies were found, up to 216 colony forming units/cm². Other pathogens were not found in this study. Conclusions: The results of this preliminary study confirm literature reports that pets may constitute a potential risk in the transmission of zoonotic pathogens to their owner, especially during direct contact when sleeping in the same bed. Owners should therefore be informed about these risks and educated to interact with their pets in a more responsible way.

Prevalence of major digestive and respiratory helminths in dogs and cats in France: results of a multicenter study

Background

The local distribution of helminths in dogs and cats and the evaluation of risk of contamination represent an important challenge for veterinarians due to their effects on animal health and their potential zoonotic risk. The overall goal of this study was to estimate the prevalence of the digestive and respiratory helminths infecting client-owned dogs and cats in France.

Methods

Faecal samples were collected from 414 pet dogs and 425 pet cats at 20 study sites during 2017–2018 and analysed by coproscopy. The samples included specimens collected from animals of both genders and various breeds and ages from a variety of living environments, and with different lifestyles and feeding regimes. Associations between parasitic infection and qualitative factors were explored.

Results

Overall, 125 (14.9%) samples (15.2% in dogs and 14.6% in cats) were positive for at least one of the species of helminths identified. Infection rates were highest for Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati (8.5% and 11.3%, respectively), while Toxascaris leonina was found only in one cat (0.2%). The apparent prevalence of Ancylostoma caninum and Uncinaria stenocephala in dogs was 1.7% and 4.3%, respectively. No hookworms were found in cats. Whipworms (Trichuris vulpis) were identified in 2.7% of the dogs. Tapeworms (Dipylidium caninum and Taeniidae) were rarely found (< 1% in dogs and < 3% in cats). The prevalence of Angiostrongylus vasorum Crenosoma vulpis, and Strongyloides stercoralis in dogs, Aelurostrongylus abstrusus in cats and Eucoleus spp. / Capillaria spp. in both dogs and cats was < 1%. Significantly higher fecal parasite emission rates were identified in young individuals, in animals with outdoor access, in animals living in the countryside and in intact animals (especially in cats). In addition, cats not fed exclusively with commercial diets and living with other animals (dogs and/or cats) were at higher risk for parasites. For dogs, hunting/herding and walking off-leash were found to be additional risk factors. Furthermore, pets with no reported history of deworming or dewormed > 1 year before the study were positive for parasites significantly more often than pets dewormed < 1 year before study participation.

Conclusions

The overall prevalence of helminths (some of which are zoonotic), the risk factors and the reportedly low deworming frequencies identified in this study (20.5% animals having never been dewormed and only 26.4% dewormed ≥ 3 times/year) illustrate the need for improving pet owners’ adherence to anthelmintic guidelines in France.

Graphical Abstract

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05368-7.

Detection of Giardia and helminths in Western Europe at local K9 (canine) sites (DOGWALKS Study)

BACKGROUND

Intestinal parasite contamination from infected dogs can place other dogs and humans at risk. A study was initiated to estimate the prevalence of canine intestinal parasitism by collecting fecal samples in cities across Western Europe.

METHODS

Fresh fecal samples were collected from 2469 dogs visiting 164 parks in 33 cities across 12 countries. Each owner responded to a questionnaire focusing on their dog's signalment and recent anthelmintic treatment history. The collected samples were examined for hookworms, whipworms, ascarids and Giardia using a coproantigen diagnostic immunoassay and microscopy following centrifugal flotation.

RESULTS

Nematodes or Giardia were detected in at least one sample from 100% of cities and in 93.3% of parks. Nematodes were detected in 57% of parks. Overall, 22.8% of dogs tested positive for an intestinal parasite, with Giardia being the most commonly identified parasites (17.3% of dogs, 83.5% of parks). For nematode infection, 7.6% of all dogs tested positive, with 9.9% of dogs aged < 1 year infected, 7.7% of those aged 1-3 years, 7.3% of those aged 4-6 years and 6.6% of those aged ≥ 7 years. Among the nematodes detected, ascarids were the most prevalent (3.6% of dogs, parks, 28.7% of parks), being most common in dogs aged < 1 year but also present in older dogs, including those aged ≥ 7 years. Hookworms and whipworms were detected in 3.2% and 2.3% of dogs of all ages, respectively, and in 37.2% and 17.7% of parks, respectively. A larger proportion of fecal samples tested positive with the coproantigen immunoassay than with centrifugal flotation. Positive test results for Giardia were sevenfold higher when both diagnostic tests were used than when centrifugal flotation alone was used, and there were 60% more positive test results for nematodes when both tests were used than when flotation alone was used. Overall, 77.2% of owners reported previous anthelmintic treatment, among whom at least 62.7% failed to follow recommended treatment frequency. Dogs receiving anthelmintic within the previous month had a lower percentage of nematode infection than those in which > 1 month had passed since the previous dose.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence estimates of intestinal parasite infections in dogs reported here highlight the need for owner education concerning guidelines for regular testing and treatment, even in older dogs. Failure to adhere to guidelines can result in ongoing transmission of these infections, including those with zoonotic potential. Combining coproantigen immunoassay with centrifugal flotation for diagnostic testing and regular anthelmintic treatment are important measures for ensuring optimal intestinal parasite control.

Perception of UK companion animal veterinarians on risk assessment based parasite control

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.

Improving the knowledge of high school students about zoonotic diseases from pets in Medellín-Colombia

Background and Aim: The "One Health" concept is a global strategy that recognizes that public health is related to animal health and the environment; however, the role of domestic animals and their involvement in the transmission of zoonoses is often underestimated. The aim of the study was to evaluate and improve the knowledge about zoonotic diseases of domestic animals in high school students from Medellín, Colombia. Materials and Methods: A quasi-experimental intra-subject study was carried out. This study was conducted with 11th-grade students from four schools in Medellín, Colombia. A structured multiple-choice questionnaire was used from March 2021 to May 2021. The research had two phases, first, "naive" knowledge and learning. Then, descriptive, association, and comparative analysis were carried out using absolute and relative frequencies, Pearson's Chi-square test, and MacNemar's test with a value of p<0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: A research poll from 315 students of four private schools found that feeding their pets with raw food and leftovers cooked for human consumption were common practices; the results also show a lack of knowledge of their pets' immunization deworming status. It was understood that when the students were able to identify at least two symptoms of zoonoses, one route of its' transmission and two preventive measures, we found that only 12.49% of the polled students had proper knowledge of the disease in domestic animals. After conducting an educational strategy, the findings show a general increase in knowledge, leading us to accept that the academic approach was adequate to statistically increase the recognition of symptoms, routes of transmission and preventive measures (p=0.00). Conclusion: The use of the theoretical lecture is effective to improve the understanding of the concept of transmission of diseases from animals to humans; in addition, the results show an increase of knowledge in high school students of the related symptoms, transmission routes, and preventive measures of zoonoses diseases in the region.

Occurrence of Endoparasites in Adult Swedish Dogs: A Coprological Investigation

The occurrence of endoparasites in Swedish adult dogs (n = 303) was investigated between January and October 2014. Included dogs had to be clinically healthy, older than 1 year and untreated with anthelmintics or endectocides for at least 3 months prior to sampling. They were grouped according to age, category of dog and time since last antiparasitic treatment. Samples were analyzed by flotation to detect parasitic eggs and cysts/oocysts. Among these, 129 (43%) dogs were also analyzed with the Baermann-technique to detect cardiopulmonary larval stages. Parasite dispersal stages were found in 24 (7.9%, CI 95% 4.9–10.1) of the dogs at flotation, while no dog shed cardiopulmonary larval stages. Giardia sp. cysts were observed in 2.6% (n = 8) of dogs examined, cysts of Sarcocystis spp. were observed in 0.6% (n = 2), oocysts of Cystosisopora ohioensis were found in one dog (0.3%). Eggs of Toxocara canis (2.3%, n = 7), Uncinaria stenocephala (1.3%, n = 4) and Trichuris vulpis (0.3%, one dog) were found. None of the dogs were diagnosed with more than one species. Although the occurrence of endoparasites was above the average in dogs ≤ 2 years of age (11.5%), nematodes were more common in older dogs ≥4 years (77.0%). Although the occurrence was lower in working/exhibition dogs (5.9%) than in companion dogs (8.4%) and hunting-dogs (8.6%), these differences were not significant. However, dogs exposed to prey according to the owner had a statistically significant higher prevalence than other dogs (20.5 vs. 5.7%). The Odds Ratio (OR) was 4.0 (CI 95%, 1.58–10.11) for dogs having access to prey, 2.4 (CI 95%, 0.37–8.06) for dogs staying at day-care, and 2 (CI 95%, 0.96–5.96) for bitches. Furthermore, a significant association was observed between infection with nematodes and exposures to prey (p = 0.006). As a reference, data on the endoparasites in canine fecal samples submitted to the National Veterinary Institute (SVA, Uppsala) during 2014 are presented. Overall, this study shows a low occurrence of endoparasites among dogs in Sweden. Any risk-assessment on zoonotic parasites as well as deworming recommendations will take advantage from these updated figures.

Field study to investigate the effectiveness and safety of a novel orally administered combination drug product containing milbemycin oxime and lotilaner (Credelio® Plus) against natural intestinal nematode infections in dogs presented as veterinary patients in Europe

BACKGROUND

A randomised, blinded, positive controlled, multicentre, Good Clinical Practice-compliant, pivotal field study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a new combination of lotilaner + milbemycin oxime tablets (Credelio^® Plus; Elanco Animal Health) administered orally to client-owned dogs naturally infected with intestinal nematodes.

METHODS

Client-owned dogs presenting to veterinary clinics from households in France, Hungary and Germany were screened for intestinal nematodes. Dogs with an initial positive faecal egg count that was subsequently confirmed with a follow-up faecal examination to demonstrate the presence of naturally occurring mixed or mono-infections with Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina, Trichuris vulpis or Ancylostoma caninum were enrolled on Day 0 into the study. Households were randomised in an approximately 2:1 ratio to receive either an investigational product (IP; Credelio Plus tablets) or control product (CP; Nexgard Spectra^® tablets) as treatment. Dogs were administered the IP (n = 278) or CP (n = 117) once on Day 0 at a dose rate of 0.75-1.56 mg/kg bodyweight milbemycin oxime and 20.0-41.5 mg/kg bodyweight lotilaner (IP) or as recommended (CP). Effectiveness of the IP and CP treatments was based on the post-treatment reduction in geometric mean faecal egg counts on Day 8 (range Day 7-10) after treatment as compared to their pre-treatment nematode faecal egg counts.

RESULTS

Geometric mean (GM) faecal egg counts for T. canis, A caninum and T. vulpis were reduced by ≥ 97.2% in the Credelio Plus group and  by ≥ 95.3% in the afoxolaner + milbemycin oxime group. There were insufficient data to calculate a percentage reduction in GM faecal egg counts between Day 0 and Day 8 for T. leonina due to low prevalence. Credelio Plus was well tolerated in this field study. Of the 355 total doses administered, 82.3% were accepted free choice in the IP group compared to 80.8% in the CP group.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated effectiveness (≥ 97.2% reduction), safety and tablet acceptance of a combination of milbemycin oxime and lotilaner (Credelio Plus) administered orally to dogs with natural intestinal infections of T. canis, A. caninum and T. vulpis.

Prevalence and associated risk factors of Intestinal parasites in rural high-mountain communities of the Valle del Cauca-Colombia

The aim of this study was to measure the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites (GI) in domestic animals and children in high mountain populations in the districts of Combia and Toche, Valle del Cauca-Colombia. These communities have been affected by the armed conflict in Colombia and are susceptible to health risk factors related to the Colombian post-conflict. Prevalence and risk factors were measured using Bayesian methods on 45 structured interviews applied to 29 families in Combia and 16 in Toche. This inquire aimed to analyze the socio-economic and demographic factors associated with the presence of parasites. This interview was conducted with 50 children: 40 (80%) from Rita Sabogal school district of Toche, and 10 (20%) from Tablones-Atanasio Girardot schools. 23 faecal samples from asymtomatic children from these schools were collected. Subsequently, 308 animals were characterized through the analysis of 64 faecal samples from asymptomatic individuals (20,8%); 18/41 from dogs (43,9%), 18/175 from poultry (10,3%), 7/13 from cats 56,84%, 6/20 from equines (30%) and from 15/59 cattle (25,43%). The prevalence of intestinal parasites among children under six years was 60% [95% PI = 41%-78%]; Endolimax nana, 24% [95% PI = 9,8%-42%]; Iodamoeba buetschlii, 16% [95% PI = 4,7%-32%]; Entamoeba coli, 35% [95% PI = 18%-55%]; Giardia lamblia, 12% [95% PI = 2,7%-27%]. In Equids the presence of Strongylus spp was 37% [95% PI = 10%-71%]; Parascaris equorum, 37% [95% PI = 10%-71%]; in dogs, Dipylidium caninum was 20% [95% PI = 6%-39%]; Trichuris trichiura, 9% [95% PI = 1,3%-26%]; Toxocara canis, 25% [95% PI = 9%-46%]; in cats, Toxocara cati had a prevalence of 44% [95% PI = 16%-75%]; cyst of Eimeria spp, 15% [95% PI = 3,4%-33%]; in poultry and Eimeria zuernii in cattle, 50% [95% PI = 23%-77%]. There was no association with exposure of humans to animal parasites. However, we conclude that female and children under 6 years of age are more likely OR (6,72-2,3) to get parasites.

Retrospective analysis of feline intestinal parasites: trends in testing positivity by age, USA geographical region and reason for veterinary visit

Background

The goals of this retrospective study were to estimate parasite positivity in samples from cats using zinc sulfate fecal flotation by centrifugation (“centrifugation”) and coproantigen and examine trends with age, geographical region and reason for visit to veterinarian. Common methods of parasite detection, such as centrifugal flotation, passive flotation, or direct smear, may underrepresent the true prevalence of intestinal parasites in cats. Coproantigen testing detects more positive samples than traditional methods alone.

Methods

Feline fecal test results from the continental USA containing results for fecal exams performed using centrifugation paired with coproantigen results for ascarid, hookworm, whipworm and Giardia were obtained from the database of a national commercial reference laboratory comprised of multiple regional sites.

Results

Parasite positivity was highest in samples from young cats and decreased with cat age. The western region of the USA had lower total parasite positivity than other regions for all parasites except Giardia. Cats receiving fecal tests during veterinary wellness visits had only slightly lower parasite positivity than samples from cats during sick clinical visits.

Conclusions

This study showed a larger population of cats are at increased risk of parasitism than commonly believed and coproantigen testing produces more positive test results for the four parasites that antigen can detect than centrifugation of feline fecal samples.

Coprological survey of endoparasite infections in owned dogs and owners' perceptions of endoparasite control in Belgium and the Netherlands

Infections with endoparasites are common in dogs. Some of these parasites are potentially zoonotic and therefore a public health concern. A survey was conducted in twenty-six small animal practices to evaluate the prevalence of endoparasites in Belgian and Dutch owned dogs older than 6 months as well as risk factors associated with infection. Out of 239 faecal samples screened (168 in Belgium and 71 in the Netherlands), 18 dogs were tested positive for at least one type of endoparasite with three dogs co-infected with two parasitic species. Toxocara sp. was the most frequently found endoparasite (4.6%). Three other dogs were positive for Angiostrongylus vasorum (1.4%) using the Baermann method and confirmed in one dog by the Angiodetect® test. Age and predation behaviour were identified as two risk factors associated with endoparasite infection. Although the majority (77%) of the owners in this study reported to administer at least one anthelmintic treatment per year, only a minority of them (24.3%) were aware of the risk to human health, indicating that owner awareness is sub-optimal. For dog owners, human toxocarosis and other potential zoonoses remain an underestimated health concern. The implementation of sustainable parasite control strategies should be promoted taking also into account the public health risk.

Comparison of the Level of Awareness about the Transmission of Echinococcosis and Toxocariasis between Pet Owners and Non-Pet Owners in Greece

Ζoonotic parasitic diseases that can occur through animal contact pose risks to pets, their owners and to their bond. This study aims to assess the level of knowledge about zoonoses, specifically echinococcosis and toxocariasis, among cat/dog owners and non-pet owners in Greece. Multiple-choice questionnaires were designed to obtain data regarding the knowledge of pet and non-pet owners on echinococcosis and toxocariasis, including signs and symptoms of these zoonoses, ways of transmission and precautions that need to be taken into account in order to avoid it. A total of 185 questionnaires were retrieved and data was expressed as absolute (Ν) and relative frequencies (%). Associations between pet ownership, residence and outcome variables were evaluated using the Fisher exact test and Chi-squared test, respectively. Multifactorial linear regression analysis was used to investigate the cross-sectional association between demographic characteristics and the awareness of helminthic zoonoses. All tests were two-sided and statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Our study revealed a disturbing lack of awareness of echinococcosis and toxocariasis (mean zoonotic knowledge score 8.11 ± 3.18) independently of pet ownership. Surprisingly, in some cases the ignorance of pet owners exceeded that of non-pet owners. Given the progressive impact of toxocariasis in public health and the high prevalence of echinococcosis in the Mediterranean region, measures should be taken to inform people about zoonoses and eliminate their putative transmission.

Survey of UK pet owners quantifying internal parasite infection risk and deworming recommendation implications

Background

Dogs and cats in the UK are exposed to many internal parasites which can pose risks to the health of both the pet and their owners. By understanding these endemic parasites and the risks they pose, we can assess the lifestyle of pets and recommend the correct deworming frequency. Studies identifying risk factors were discussed in the European Scientific Counsel Companion Animal Parasites (ESCCAP) guidelines. To this date, there has been very little information on how pet owners in the UK deworm their pets and if the protocols they follow align with ESCCAP recommendations. The objective of this study was to look at the current deworming protocols of UK cat and dog owners in conjunction with their lifestyle and risk.

Methods

An online survey was conducted in the UK targeting pet owners who own at least one dog and/or cat and were responsible for product purchase, the pet’s health care and veterinary visits. These survey results were analysed against the ESCCAP guidelines and each pet placed into a risk category. By comparing the current deworming frequency with that recommended for their risk category, the compliance of UK pet owners with ESCCAP recommendations was evaluated.

Results

A total of 500 dog owners and 500 cat owners completed surveys. Overall, the study found none of the pets fell into risk group A, with all pets meeting the risk level for at least deworming four times a year (risk group B and above). The majority of animals fell into the highest risk category D with 97% of dogs and 68% of cats. The average deworming per year in the UK was 3.1 for dogs and 3.1 cats, below the minimum recommended by ESCCAP.

Conclusions

For both felines and canines, the dosing frequencies are lower than recommended to both reduce zoonotic risk for reducing Toxocara spp. egg-shedding and improve pet health. This research highlights the need for improved education around dog and cat patient risk assessments and greater adherence to recommended deworming aligned with the ESCCAP guidelines.

Subsidised by junk foods: factors influencing body condition in stray cats (Felis catus)

Domestic cats (Felis catus) are one of the most widely distributed and successful carnivores globally. While cats are popular pets, many unowned, ‘stray’ cats live freely in anthropogenic environments at high densities where they make use of anthropogenic resources. These stray cats present a management challenge due to concerns about wildlife predation, pathogen transmission, public nuisance and threats to cat welfare (e.g. vehicle collisions). In Australia, there are few studies of strays compared with pet cats or feral cats (free-roaming cats in rural areas that are independent of resources provided by humans). To contribute original data about stray cat biology, the carcasses of 188 euthanised stray cats were collected from Perth, Western Australia. Cats were assessed for general health, age, reproduction, diet and gastrointestinal parasite biomass. The influence of cat demographics, collection location, season, parasite biomass, diet and history of supplemental feeding by people were tested against body condition. Overall, strays were physically healthy and reproductive, with few life-threatening injuries or macroscopic evidence of disease; however, helminths were extremely common (95% of cats) and pose a threat. Nearly 40% of strays consumed wildlife, including two species of endemic marsupial. Alarmingly, 57.5% of strays were scavenging vast amounts of refuse, including life-threatening items in volumes that blocked their gastrointestinal tracts. These findings illustrate that strays need to be removed from anthropogenic environments for their own health and welfare and to prevent continued breeding. Targeted control programmes should prioritise removal of cats from areas where refuse is common and where valued native fauna exist.

Efficacy of a novel orally administered combination product containing sarolaner, moxidectin and pyrantel (Simparica Trio™) against induced infestations of five common tick species infesting dogs in the USA

Background

The efficacy of a novel oral combination product, Simparica Trio™, containing sarolaner, moxidectin and pyrantel was evaluated against five tick species that commonly infest dogs in the USA, Amblyomma americanum, Amblyomma maculatum, Dermacentor variabilis, Ixodes scapularis and Rhipicephalus sanguineus.

Methods

Laboratory studies were conducted against two different strains of each tick species. In each study, 10 purpose-bred Beagle or mixed-breed dogs were randomly allocated to one of two treatment groups based on pre-treatment host-suitability tick counts. Dogs were infested with approximately 50 (45–55) unfed adult ticks on Days -2, 5, 12, 19, 26 and 33. On Day 0, dogs received either a single oral dose of Simparica Trio™ at the minimum label dose of 1.2 mg/kg sarolaner, 24 µg/kg moxidectin and 5 mg/kg pyrantel (as pamoate salt) or placebo. Tick counts were conducted at 48 h post-treatment and after each subsequent weekly re-infestation for A. maculatum, D. variabilis, I. scapularis and R. sanguineus studies and at 48 hours or at 72 h post-treatment and after weekly re-infestation in the first and second A. americanum studies, respectively.

Results

No treatment-related adverse reactions occurred in any study. In all studies, placebo-treated dogs maintained infestations throughout the entire study duration, and dogs treated with Simparica Trio™ had significantly lower (P ≤ 0.0010) mean live tick counts than placebo-treated dogs at all time-points. Against A. maculatum, D. variabilis, I. scapularis and R. sanguineus, a single oral dose of Simparica Trio™ evaluated at 48 h post-treatment provided ≥ 98.9% efficacy against existing infestations, and within 48 h of re-infestation efficacy was ≥ 90.4% through at least Day 28 (except for R. sanguineus on Day 14 in a single study with an efficacy of 89.7%). Against A. americanum, Simparica Trio™ provided ≥ 99.4% efficacy at ≤ 72 h after treatment of existing infestations and maintained ≥ 98.4% efficacy at ≤ 72 h after re-infestation through at least Day 35.

Conclusions

A single dose of Simparica Trio™ administered orally at the minimum label dosage of 1.2 mg/kg sarolaner, 24 µg/kg moxidectin and 5 mg/kg pyrantel provided treatment and control of the common tick species infesting dogs in the USA for at least one month.

Survey of Spanish pet owners about endoparasite infection risk and deworming frequencies

BACKGROUND

Pets may be carriers of infectious agents including parasites. As part of a larger-scale study covering the whole of Europe, this study examines deworming measures reported by Spanish pet owners and identifies risk factors.

METHODS

An online questionnaire was administered to cat and dog owners in Spain. The replies provided were used to obtain information about the pets' living conditions and to accordingly classify each pet into one of the four ESCCAP infection risk categories (A, B, C or D) for which different deworming frequencies are recommended. Questions were also asked about pet care and owners' attitude toward their pets. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to correlate risk groups with deworming frequencies.

RESULTS

Completed questionnaires were returned by 500 cat owners and 501 dog owners. According to responses, 96.21% of dogs were assigned to risk category D (maximum risk), and only 1.2%, 2.2% and 0.4% to A, B and C, respectively. Almost all cats were assigned to the minimum risk category A (indoor cats, 62%) or maximum risk category D (outdoor cats, 32.8%); only 3.4% and 1.8% of cats were classified as risk B and C respectively. More dogs were allocated to the higher risk group compared to cats, which were more frequently kept indoors. Cats were reportedly dewormed less frequently than dogs (2.56 and 3.13 times per year respectively), consistent with their different infestation risk. Thus, pets in the lower risk group A were either adequately dewormed or treated more often than necessary. Only a small proportion of cats were not dewormed at all (n = 14). Alarmingly, almost all pets in risk groups B, C or D (representing 95% of dogs and 39% of cats) were dewormed less often than recommended.

CONCLUSIONS

More effective health education is required for the management of zoonotic endoparasite diseases under the umbrella of One Health targeted at owners, veterinarians, general practitioners, and health authorities. To align deworming frequency with infection risk, pet owners should be provided with clear, compelling instructions.

Seroprevalence of human toxocarosis in Europe: A review and meta-analysis

Toxocarosis is distributed worldwide and represents the most prevalent zoonotic helminth infection in industrialized countries, thereby posing a substantial risk for public health. Thus, toxocarosis is one of CDC's Neglected Parasitic Infections that has been targeted for public health action. This systematic review and meta-analysis summarizes Toxocara seroprevalence in general populations from Europe, populations suspected of Toxocara infection and defined risk groups. Random-effects meta-analysis of proportions based on 41 publications resulted in an overall seroprevalence of 6.2% (95% CI: 4.7-8.3%) in the general population of Europe. Subgroup analysis according to decades (1970-2010s) revealed a significant increase in seroprevalence, with the highest value (12.4%; 95% CI: 6.5-22.3%) in the 2010s (χ²=17.87, df=4, P=0.001). There were no significant differences between pooled prevalence rates of European sub-regions (χ²=3.01, df=3, P=0.389). Furthermore, meta-analysis of seroprevalence according to age groups, based on data from 22 publications, indicated a significantly higher pooled seroprevalence of 14.9% (95% CI: 8.5-24.8%) in people more than 50 years of age than in younger age cohorts (χ²=8.33, df=2, P=0.016). Occupational groups exposed to contaminated soil and infected animals bear substantial risk for acquiring Toxocara infection. Due to the close link between animal infection and human Toxocara exposure, a "One Health" approach for the prevention of Toxocara infection in both humans and animals is required.

French national survey of dog and cat owners on the deworming behaviour and lifestyle of pets associated with the risk of endoparasites

Background

Endoparasites in dogs and cats are a concern related to pet health and zoonotic risks. Several determinants may affect the endoparasite transmission and infection of dogs and cats such as pet’s lifestyle or regional parasite distribution. Although different zoonotic endoparasites, such as Toxocara spp. and Echinococcus spp., have been identified in France, little information exists about the deworming behaviors of owners or the frequency of occurrence of risk factors associated with endoparasite infection or transmission. Deworming guidelines, such as those created by the European Scientific Counsel Companion Animal Parasites (ESCCAP), recommend a deworming frequency according to the risk of infection of every pet and the potential risk for zoonotic transmission. The objectives of this study were to explore how lifestyles of dogs and cats from France were related to a particular risk of endoparasites and assess whether deworming frequencies complied with ESCCAP recommendations.

Methods

French data were extracted from a database created during a recent European pet owner survey regarding endoparasitic infection risk. Dogs and cats were grouped into risk categories based upon the ESCCAP guidelines. The compliance between the actual and recommended deworming frequencies were explored among the regions surveyed.

Results

The majority of dogs and cats were older than 6 months, had outdoor access, had contact with children or elderly people, and lived in rural and town areas. Most of the dogs were in contact with other dogs, snails or prey (83%), and ate slugs, snails, grass or dug in the garden (68%). Likewise, most of the cats hunted outside (57%) and caught prey animals (52%). Consequently, most of the dogs (89%) and cats (53%) were considered to be in the highest-risk category (D). However, independent of the region, the average deworming compliance for dogs was poor (6%). While deworming compliance for cats in category A (low-risk) was excellent (94%), for cats in category D it was poor (6%).

Conclusions

Deworming compliance is needed to enhance pet health and reduce zoonotic risks. Future studies are warranted to thoroughly investigate the compliance and effectiveness of deworming protocols, and the risk factors associated with endoparasites in France.

Survey of German pet owners quantifying endoparasitic infection risk and implications for deworming recommendations

BACKGROUND

Dogs and cats can transmit zoonotic helminths to humans, e.g. Toxocara spp. and Echinococcus multilocularis. Strategic deworming may help minimize this risk. Studies in several European countries have shown that pets are dewormed less frequently against roundworms and tapeworms than recommended by the European Scientific Counsel Companion Animal Parasites (ESCCAP). The objective of this study was to identify percentages of dogs and cats falling into the different risk categories defined by the German ESCCAP guidelines and to evaluate whether deworming frequency and parasite monitoring in Germany follows these guidelines.

RESULTS

According to questionnaire results from 500 dog and 500 cat owners, deworming of dogs in Germany averages 2.07 times/year while for cats this average is 1.72 times/year. In contrast, evaluation of risk factors placed only 2% (10/500) of dogs in ESCCAP category A with a recommended deworming/examination frequency of 1-2 times per year, while 4.8% (24/500) were placed in category B (4 treatments/examinations per year recommended), 30.8% (154/500) in category C (12 treatments/examinations per year against tapeworms and 4 treatments/examinations per year against roundworms recommended) and 62.4% (312/500) in category D (12 treatments/examinations per year recommended). All cats were placed either in risk group A [52.8% (264/500)] or D [47.2% (236/500)]. Generalized linear models indicated that risk group D cats were treated significantly more often against helminths than risk group A cats. There were no significant differences in deworming frequency between risk groups in dogs. The most important factor influencing deworming frequency was the frequency of veterinary visits. Dogs and cats were treated significantly more often if owners visited their veterinarian more than once yearly.

CONCLUSIONS

The percentage distribution of risk groups considerably varied between dogs and cats. Nevertheless, 62% of dogs and 47% of cats were assigned to category D for which monthly treatments/examinations are recommended by the ESCCAP guidelines. Veterinarians play a key role in instructing pet owners with regard to helminthoses and their prevention, and should take the time for adequate risk assessments. The reported low deworming frequencies despite the high potential parasite infection risk suggests that pet owner advice through veterinarians needs to be improved.