You Are In Danger From Diseases Spread By Your Pets

Hook worms, heart worms, and round worms - just some of the parasites on the increase in the Western United States.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have released new data indicating that parasites are increasing in number. Toxocara, internal roundworms, affect as much as 14% of the U.S. population according to the CDC.  These worms are spread to humans from cats and dogs.

Despite the dramatic increase in parasites and zoonotic diseases (those spread to humans from animals) statics show that less than one third of pet owners treat their animals for fleas and ticks year round.  Although infestations of these parasites may occur seasonally, the parasites can thrive all year around and are no less dangerous in smaller numbers.

Raccoons are among the wild animals that spread these parasites and associated diseases in an area, but it is Fluffy (the pet cat) and Scruffy (the pet dog) that are the little Trojan Horses who transport them into your very homes.  Once established in an area mites and ticks are almost impossible to eradicate.

Climate changes and landscape development have contributed to the increase in parasite numbers, as have improved transport infrastructure and the desire for families (with their infected pets) to move to the West.

Dr. Paul, DVM, executive director of the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC), has taken a pro-active stance against the disease spreading parasites. Dr. Paul and the CAPC team are travelling the country in an RV that is hard to mistake, trying to spread the message.

The simple parasite prevention methods that the CAPC promotes are "about common sense" says Dr Paul.  They include such basic hygene methods as not putting things in your mouth, and washing your hands.  Lessons that we all know, but don't practice because we don't believe that it will happen to me according to Dr. Paul.

The devastating effects of Zoonotic diseases may be rare, but is worth gambling with the future of your children?  It is tragic to think that these diseases and the lives they destroy are largely preventable through basic hygene practices.  Which is, of course, why the CAPC team have taken to the road in the hope of educating as many people as possible.

Visit this site for more information and pictures of dog worms and cat worms.

Tags: Round Worms Toxocara Hook Worms Heart Worms Internal Round Worms Dog

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