Veterinarians play a crucial role in educating the public about the risks associated with zoonotic parasites, particularly hookworms and roundworms, as pets increasingly live in close contact with their owners. This proximity raises the risk of transmission, especially for the estimated 30% to 40% of individuals in the U.S. with compromised immune systems who live with companion animals.
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Despite effective parasite preventives available today, infections from roundworms and hookworms in pets continue to be a concern. Data from two national reference laboratories show that from 2012 to 2018, the prevalence of roundworms in U.S. dogs remained relatively stable, with rates ranging from 1.77% to 1.94%. Toxocariasis, caused mainly by Toxocara canis from dogs, can lead to severe health problems in humans, especially in children who may ingest contaminated soil or surfaces. This can result in conditions such as visceral larva migrans (VLM) and ocular larva migrans (OLM), which can cause vision loss.
The prevalence of hookworms also rose, from 2.02% in 2012 to 2.96% in 2018, marking a 47% increase. Hookworms can infect dogs and cats and are transmitted to humans mainly when larvae penetrate the skin, leading to conditions like cutaneous larva migrans (CLM).
A survey in Connecticut revealed a disconnect between veterinarians and pediatricians regarding responsibility for educating the public on zoonotic diseases. While veterinarians often consider physicians the primary source of information, pediatricians rank public health officials higher and feel underprepared to discuss parasitic disease prevention.
With the potential severity of zoonotic infections, veterinarians must ensure comprehensive parasite management programs are in place. This includes education about the importance of year-round parasite prevention and regular fecal testing, along with maintaining communication with clients about zoonotic risks. Effective communication can also help mitigate legal risks for veterinarians in cases of zoonotic disease transmission.
Veterinarians should emphasize the relevance of deworming puppies and kittens to protect both pet and human health, as well as educate clients on sanitary measures to prevent zoonotic transmission. Recommendations include prompt disposal of pet feces, keeping children away from contaminated areas, and hand hygiene after handling pets. Educational materials, such as brochures from the CDC, can aid in this initiative.