Prevalence of Toxocara cati and other parasites in cats' faeces collected from the open spaces of public institutions: Buenos Aires, Argentina

Toxocarosis is a worldwide parasitic infection that affects both cats and dogs. Toxocara cati (Schrank, 1788) syn.Toxocara mystax (Zeder, 1800) prevalence was studied in faeces from stray cats collected from the open spaces of public institutions of Buenos Aires city, both building and surrounding open spaces are fenced off. Of the 465 samples obtained from March to June of 2005, 58.3% were found to have parasite eggs. The following parasites were identified from the 271 positive samples: T. cati (61.2%), Cystoisospora spp. (20.3%), Trichuris spp. (17.0%), Toxascaris leonina (15.1%), Ancylostoma spp. (14%) and Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (2.6%). T. cati prevalence was 35.7% (95% confidence interval: 31.2–40.1), with a 42.2% single isolations. The most frequent combination was T. cati and Cystoisospora spp. (9%). More than half the areas studied showed over 40% prevalence. Seventy-one percent of the collected samples were fresh with a variable moist consistency and 29% were older with a dry consistency. A statistically significant association was found between sample consistency and presence of parasites (χ² = 10.81; p = 0.001) as also between sample consistency and presence of T. cati (χ² = 11.27; p = 0.0007). Moist consistencies were significantly different from the rest: consistency (wet or dry) versus parasites (z = 1.95; p = 0.02) (95% confidence interval: 0.004–0.203); consistency (wet or dry) versus T. cati (z = 3.25; p = 0.0006) (95% confidence interval: 0.075–0.254). The cat population that inhabits these public green spaces contaminates the environment, thus transforming them into dangerous spaces with a variable rate for the human population that spends time in these places.     

Detection of intestinal parasites in pig slurry: A preliminary study from five farms in Spain

The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of intestinal parasites in pig slurries from several piggeries in Alicante (Spain). Pig slurries were collected in five highly-intensive pig farms (A–E), being sampled in each farm from the pits depending on the production cycle (gestating sows, farrowing sows, weaners, finishers). Samples were concentrated either through zinc sulphate flotation or by formalin–ethyl acetate sedimentation methods. Parasitological examination was performed by optical microscopy. Detection of Cryptosporidium sp. was performed using conventional acid-fast stain and by DNA extraction and PCR amplification. Cryptosporidium genus-specific primers (CPBDIAGF and CPBDIAGR) were used to amplify the Cryptosporidium SSU-rRNA variable region. Intestinal parasites were found in all farms studied. Several protozoa (Ballantidium coli, Entamoeba coli and Cryptosposidium sp.) and helminths (Ascaris suum, Trichuris suis, Fasciola hepatica, Strongylida and nematode larvae) were identified. Parasite viability studies are needed in order to assess the potential risk for animal and human health.     

Risk of zoonotic transmission of swine influenza at the human–pig interface in Guangdong Province,China

A cross‐sectional survey was conducted from 2015 to 2018 to assess the risk of zoonotic influenza to humans at the human–pig interface in Guangdong Province, south China. One hundred and fifty‐three pig farmers, 21 pig traders and 16 pig trade workers were recruited using convenience sampling and surveyed at local pig farms, live pig markets and slaughterhouses, respectively. Questionnaires were administered to collect information on the biosecurity and trading practices adopted and their knowledge and beliefs about swine influenza (SI). Most (12 of 16) trade workers said they would enter piggeries to collect pigs and only six of 11 said they were always asked to go through an on‐farm disinfection procedure before entry. Only 33.7% of the interviewees believed that SI could infect humans, although pig farmers were more likely to believe this than traders and trade workers (p < .01). Several unsafe practices were reported by interviewees. ‘Having vaccination against seasonal flu’ (OR = 3.05, 95% CI: 1.19–8.93), ‘Believe that SI can cause death in pigs’ (no/yes: OR = 8.69, 95% CI: 2.71–36.57; not sure/yes: OR = 4.46, 95% CI: 1.63–14.63) and ‘Keep on working when getting mild flu symptoms’ (OR = 3.80, 95% CI: 1.38–11.46) were significantly and positively correlated to ‘lacking awareness of the zoonotic risk of SI’. ‘Lacking awareness of the zoonotic risk of SI’ (OR = 3.19, 95% CI: 1.67–6.21), ‘Keep on working when getting mild flu symptoms’ (OR = 3.59, 95% CI: 1.57–8.63) and ‘Don't know SI as a pig disease’ (OR = 3.48, 95% CI: 1.02–16.45) were significantly and positively correlated to ‘not using personal protective equipment when contacting pigs’. The findings of this study would benefit risk mitigation against potential pandemic SI threats in the human–pig interface in China.     

Prevalence of intestinal parasites in dogs from public shelters in Serbia

Data on endoparasitic infections in dogs from dog shelters in Southeastern Europe are limited; thus, this study aimed to add to the existing knowledge on this topic by reporting on the prevalence of intestinal parasites in dogs from public dog shelters in the Republic of Serbia. In 2017 and 2018, individual and pooled fecal samples, were collected from 1267 dogs from six shelters. All samples were qualitatively examined for parasites using flotation tests. Seven taxa of intestinal parasites were identified: Cystoisospora spp., ascarids: Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonina, hookworms, Trichuris vulpis, taeniids and Dipylidium caninum. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 58. 3 % (78. 1 % in young dogs and 53.1 % in adult dogs). The parasites detected in both young (<1 year old) and adult dogs (>1 year old) were Cystoisospora spp. (20 % and 4.9 %), T. canis (33.5 % and 14.7 %), T. leonina (7.7 % and 2.3 %), and hookworms (16.9 % and 15 %), respectively. However, T. vulpis (9.6 %), taeniids (1.3 %), and D. caninum (5.4 %) were detected only in adult dogs. In the Belgrade shelter, young dogs had a higher prevalence of endoparasitic infections (18.9 %, 49/260) than adult dogs (14.8 %, 149/1007). In the Subotica, Jagodina and Niš shelters, young dogs had significantly higher (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively) prevalence of endoparasitic infections (10 %, 12.3 % and 14.6 %) than adult dogs (5.3 %, 8 % and 7.2 %). These results will be useful for establishing health care programs in dog shelters and implementing effective strategies for the control of intestinal parasites.     

Prevalence of intestinal parasites in shelter and hunting dogs in Catalonia,Northeastern Spain

To compare the prevalence of intestinal parasites in shelter and hunting dogs in Catalonia, Northeastern Spain, fresh faecal samples from 81 shelter dogs and 88 hunting dogs were collected and analysed by faecal flotation. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 71.6% in each population. In the shelter dog group, 67.9% of dogs were positive for intestinal protozoa and 9.8% were positive for helminths. In the hunting dog group, 20.4% of dogs were positive for intestinal protozoa and 63.6% were positive for helminths. A subset of Giardia-positive samples was evaluated by PCR; Giardia assemblages C or D were detected. These results suggest that comprehensive parasite control measures should be implemented in both shelter and hunting dogs in Catalonia.     

A wide diversity of zoonotic intestinal parasites infects urban and rural dogs in Neuquén,Patagonia, Argentina

The presence of parasites was investigated by the examination of 1944 dog faecal samples collected from urban (n = 646) and rural (n = 1298) areas of the province of Neuquén, Patagonia, Argentina. Parasitic agents (PA) were found in 37.86% of samples. A total of 15 different PA were detected, including Toxocara canis (16.35%), Taenia spp./Echinococcus spp. (12.65%), Trichurisvulpis (6.06%), Giardia spp. (1.29%), Toxascaris leonina (0.56%), Ancylostomacaninum (0.41%), Dipylidium caninum (0.31%), Diphyllobothrium spp. (0.10%), among others. Several of these PA are recognized as zoonotic agents. Therefore, the results of this investigation revealed that local population is exposed to a broad spectrum of zoonotic parasites by means of environmental contamination with dog faeces. Prevalence of PA was slightly higher in rural (40.06%) than in urban (33.44%) locations. Distribution of groups of PA (cestodes, nematodes, and protozoa) showed statistical differences between both habitats. Prevalence of cestodes (18.18%) and protozoa (11.86%) was significantly higher in the rural environment than in urban areas and nematodes (29.10%) were more frequent in urban locations. Infection of dogs with Linguatula serrata and Cryptosporidium sp. was demonstrated for the first time in Neuquén. Rural dogs of the study area are under hydatic disease control program, which includes treatment with praziquantel every 6 weeks; thus, the finding of high level of cestode infection in these areas is of great relevance. The epidemiology of zoonotic parasitic infections in urban and rural dogs showed different patterns and, in consequence, different control measurements should be applied in each location.     

Lung histopathology,radiography, high-resolution computed tomography,and bronchio-alveolar lavage cytology are altered by Toxocara cati infection in cats and is independent of development of adult intestinal parasites

This study presents clinical findings after oral ingestion of Toxocara cati eggs which resulted in rapid pulmonary lung migration and parenchymal disease, noted on clinically relevant diagnostic methods. Further, the study investigated the efficacy of pre-infection applications of preventative medication on larval migration through the lungs. A third aim of the study was to determine if adult cats infected with T. cati developed lung disease. Cats in infected groups were administered five oral doses of L3 T. cati larvae. Four-month-old specific pathogen free (SPF) kittens were divided into three groups (six per group): an infected untreated group, an uninfected untreated control group, and an infected treated group (topical moxidectin and imidacloprid, Advantage Multi for Cats, Bayer Healthcare LLC). Six 2- to 3-year-old adult multiparous female SPF cats were an infected untreated adult group. The cats were evaluated by serial CBCs, bronchial–alveolar lavage (BAL), fecal examinations, thoracic radiographs, and thoracic computed tomography (CT) scans and were euthanized 65 days after the initial infection.     

Evaluation of Pet‐Related Management Factors and the Risk of Salmonella spp. Carriage in Pet Dogs from Volunteer Households in Ontario (2005–2006)

The purpose of this study was to determine pet‐related management factors that may be associated with the presence of Salmonella spp. in feces of pet dogs from volunteer households. From October 2005 until May 2006, 138 dogs from 84 households in Ontario were recruited to participate in a cross‐sectional study. Five consecutive daily fecal samples were collected from each dog and enrichment culture for Salmonella spp. was performed. A higher than expected number of the dogs (23.2%; 32/138) had at least one fecal sample positive for Salmonella, and 25% (21/84) of the households had at least one dog shedding Salmonella. Twelve serotypes of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica were identified, with the predominant serotypes being Typhimurium (33.3%; 13/39), Kentucky (15.4%; 6/39), Brandenburg (15.4%; 6/39) and Heidelberg (12.8%; 5/39). Univariable logistic regression models were created with a random effect for household to account for clustering. Statistically significant risk factors for a dog testing positive included having contact with livestock, receiving a probiotic in the previous 30 days, feeding a commercial or homemade raw food diet, feeding raw meat and eggs, feeding a homemade cooked diet, and having more than one dog in the household. In two‐variable models that controlled for feeding raw food, the non‐dietary variables were no longer statistically significant. These results highlight the potential public health risk of including raw animal products in canine diets.     

Availability, brands, labelling and salmonella contamination of raw pet food in the minneapolis/st. Paul area

The purpose of the study was to characterize the commercially available raw meat pet food diets in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area by (i) determining the number and types of available diets; (ii) assessing pet food stores and brand labels for the provision of precautionary statements regarding the risk of foodborne illness from raw meat; (ii) assessing the labels for Food and Drug Administration (FDA)/American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) required content and nutrient-related information; and (iv) culturing purchased diets for the presence of Salmonella. Sixty raw meat diets were purchased, representing 11 different brands from eight different stores. Diets were readily available in the form of raw-frozen, dehydrated or freeze-dried varieties from different protein sources, such as lamb, beef, chicken or duck. All stores promoted raw meat diets; however, none provided foodborne illness warnings. Brands varied greatly in their precautionary statements; none of the diets underwent feeding trials; and nutritional adequacy substantiation was through formulation only. The first five ingredients tended to consist of meat, organ meat (by-products), vegetables, grains and ground bones. Currently, it is required that pet foods have an AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement and provide a guaranteed analysis table. Three brands did not meet these FDA requirements. Thirty-one (51.7%) of the 60 raw meat diets underwent some degree of processing including dehydration, freeze-drying or high-pressure pasteurization. Four of the 60 raw diets (7%) tested positive for Salmonella. Analysis of raw meat pet food labels indicated a lack of foodborne illness warnings. Based on these findings, we recommend that warning statements similar to those required by the United States Department of Agriculture and placed on labels of raw meat intended for human consumption be provided on the labels of raw meat pet food diets.     

Prevention of intestinal parasites in a tri‐border area of Latin America: Children perceptions and an integral health education strategy

To investigate knowledge of school‐aged children and their perception on intestinal parasites, and to assess knowledge reconstruction on prevention practices after specific training in the subject. We performed an activity package that included the analysis of children's drawings of intestinal parasites, and information and communication technologies (ITCs) to transfer knowledge about these pathogens and prevention measures. Retrieval learning activities were performed to fixation of general and specific prevention and control measures.Overall, we found that there is a knowledge gap in many aspects of parasite biology and ecology, and therefore on the risk of infection and acquisition mechanisms. After ITCs, the children improved their knowledge over non‐trained children.The approaches used to transfer knowledge and for learning, fixation were valuable tools for incorporating changes in misconceptions and in the deep‐rooted habits that favour entero‐parasitic diseases. This has important implications for the specific design of future education materials and campaigns. Understanding of perceptions helps to provide justifications and knowledge to achieve changes in unhealthy habits, and it constitutes the basis for the transformation of many risky practices.     

Reviewing the role of aquaria as restorative settings: how subaquatic diversity in public aquaria can influence preferences,and human health and well-being

Throughout evolutionary history, humans have developed strong reactions to animals and landscape features that have either aided or hindered survival and well-being. Exposure to natural environments provides many perceived and actual health benefits, including reduced mental fatigue, improved mood, and decreased stress and anxiety. Studies exploring humans’ responses to their surroundings, however, tend to focus on terrestrial environments. In contrast, fewer studies have focused on humans’ reactions to aquatic settings, or the biodiversity found within them. We provide an overview of the various health and well-being benefits associated with humans’ relationships with different aquatic settings and focus on one particular setting: simulated underwater environments (aquaria). We provide a review of aquaria-related studies, including emerging research on how different subaquatic species influence human health and well-being outcomes. Finally, we suggest ways in which the benefits of underwater biodiversity can be further researched.     

Dynamics of the free-living stages of sheep intestinal parasites on pasture in the North Island of New Zealand. 1. Patterns of seasonal development

Abstract

AIM: To describe the seasonal pattern of development of third-stage infective larvae (L3) from eggs of Teladorsagia (=Ostertagia) circumcincta, Trichostrongylus colubriformis and Haemonchus contortus on pasture in the North Island of New Zealand.

METHODS: Sheep faeces containing known numbers of eggs of all three nematode species were deposited on, or buried in, pasture plots at three sites, viz coastal Manawatu, Upper Hutt Valley, and East Cape hill country. Development was measured by recovering L3 from faeces, herbage and soil 28–31 days after deposition on 13–18 occasions, between January 2005 and July 2006. Analysis of the number of larvae recovered used a mixed model including number of eggs deposited, weight of faeces recovered (an assumed indicator of earthworm activity), site, contamination date, and position of deposited faeces, i.e. on the surface or buried.

RESULTS: There was a significant effect of contamination date on development of all three species, with maximum numbers ofL3 developing between late spring (November) and early autumn (March), and minimum numbers in June and July. There were large differences between species, with H. contortus exhibiting a long period (April to October) where development was close to zero, whereas T. circumcincta developed to some extent all year round. Development of T. colubriformis was intermediate between the other two species.

Burying faeces containing nematode eggs increased the number of L3 recovered compared with surface deposition (p≤0.001), although there were a small number of exceptions involving only T. colubriformis. The weight of faeces recovered at harvest, which was assumed to be an indication of earthworm activity, was correlated with the number of L3 recovered for all species (p<0.001). In a separate analysis, earthworms were assumed tohave been active if <5 g faeces remained at harvest. Where this occurred, the number of L3 of T. colubriformis and T.circumcincta recovered was reduced by 56% and 58%, respectively (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: A marked seasonal pattern of development was observed for all three species, with the most larvae developing in spring-early autumn and the least in winter. This seasonal pattern was most pronounced in H. contortus and least obvious in T. circumcincta. Burying faeces containing eggs generally resulted in more L3 being recovered, whilst the apparent activity of earthworms resulted in fewer larvae being recovered.     

Dynamics of the free-living stages of sheep intestinal parasites on pasture in the North Island of New Zealand. 2. Weather variables associated with development

Abstract

AIM: To identify weather variables associated with the development of eggs of Teladorsagia (=Ostertagia) circumcincta, Trichostrongylus colubriformis and Haemonchus contortus to third-stage infective larvae (L3) under a range of climatic conditions on pasture in the North Island of New Zealand.

METHODS: Sheep faeces containing known numbers of eggs of all three nematode species were deposited on, or buried in, pasture plots at three sites, viz coastal Manawatu, Upper Hutt Valley, and East Cape hill country. Development was measured by recovering L3 from faeces, herbage and soil 28–31 days after deposition, on 13–18 occasions between January 2005 until July 2006. Weather data were recorded at each site, and the association between weather variables and number of L3 recovered was analysed using subsets regression to select best-fitting models from several candidate variables, after adjustment for efficiency of recovery of L3. A multiple linear regression model was then developed for each species, to select weather variables that had both significant and substantive effects on the number of L3 recovered.

RESULTS: For all species, mean daily temperature was the bestpredictor of the number of L3 recovered (p=0.001). For T.circumcincta the final model included mean daily temperature and soil temperature (R²=51%), and for T. colubriformis the model only included mean daily temperature (R²=55%). For development of H. contortus, mean daily temperature was the most significant variable, but moisture in the form of rainfall entropy, i.e. the temporal distribution of rainfall, overthe first 14 days was also significant in the final model (R²=34%).

CONCLUSIONS: Temperature was the most important determinant of developmental success of free-living nematodes on pasture at the study sites, and probably also for other parts ofNew Zealand with similar climates. Moisture was not significant in the development of T. circumcincta or T.colubriformis, implying that under the generally moist temperate climate in New Zealand, moisture is seldom limiting for development of these species. Haemonchus contortusappeared to be sensitive to moisture availability and precipitation in the first 14 days after deposition of faeces. The results of this study will be further developed as part of species-specific climate-driven models of parasite development in New Zealand.     

Evidence of Powassan/deer tick virus in adult black‐legged ticks (Ixodes scapularis) recovered from hunter‐harvested white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in Pennsylvania: A public health perspective

Studies reporting tick infection rates for Powassan virus (POWV), an emerging zoonotic arthropod‐borne pathogen responsible for POWV disease in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, are limited. To determine the presence and ascertain a statewide prevalence of POWV, ticks were collected from 9,912 hunter‐harvested white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) heads presented to six regional Pennsylvania Game Commission Chronic Wasting Disease sampling stations in early December of 2013, 2014 and 2015. Of the 2,973 ticks recovered, 1,990 (66.9%) were identified as adult Ixodes scapularis (black‐legged tick). The 1,990 I. scapularis ticks were PCR‐tested for the presence of POWV. The ticks had a statewide Powassan/deer tick virus infection rate of 0.05%, providing evidence of this pathogen in Pennsylvania's adult I. scapularis ticks and supporting the need for more comprehensive pathogen prevalence assessment strategies, as well as increased public health awareness for this emerging zoonotic arthropod‐borne pathogen of public health concern.     

Spatio‐Temporal Scan Statistics for the Detection of Outbreaks Involving Common Molecular Subtypes: Using Human Cases of Escherichia coli O157:H7 Provincial PFGE Pattern 8 (National Designation ECXAI.0001) in Alberta as an Example

Molecular typing methods have become a common part of the surveillance of foodborne pathogens. In particular, pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) has been used successfully to identify outbreaks of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in humans from a variety of food and environmental sources. However, some PFGE patterns appear commonly in surveillance systems, making it more difficult to distinguish between outbreak and sporadic cases based on molecular data alone. In addition, it is unknown whether these common patterns might have unique epidemiological characteristics reflected in their spatial and temporal distributions. Using E. coli O157:H7 surveillance data from Alberta, collected from 2000 to 2002, we investigated whether E. coli O157:H7 with provincial PFGE pattern 8 (national designation ECXAI.0001) clustered in space, time and space–time relative to other PFGE patterns using the spatial scan statistic. Based on our purely spatial and temporal scans using a Bernoulli model, there did not appear to be strong evidence that isolates of E. coli O157:H7 with provincial PFGE pattern 8 are distributed differently from other PFGE patterns. However, we did identify space–time clusters of isolates with PFGE pattern 8, using a Bernoulli model and a space–time permutation model, which included known outbreaks and potentially unrecognized outbreaks or additional outbreak cases. There were differences between the two models in the space–time clusters identified, which suggests that the use of both models could increase the sensitivity of a quantitative surveillance system for identifying outbreaks involving isolates sharing a common PFGE pattern.