We live in a world full of hazards. Everyone knows that. But one danger, a parasite that can infect animals and humans, is in your environment even if you don't have any pets in your home.
We're not talking about fleas and ticks here. No, the parasites I mention are less visible and they pose an even greater danger. These are roundworms. And they're much more than just an aesthetic problem. They can cause serious, even fatal disease if they get into a human body. They are particularly dangerous for children. Here's why.
Roundworms, also called ascarids, are everywhere in our environment. The adults live in the intestines of domestic and wild animals. Dogs and cats, particularly puppies and kittens are common hosts. But wildlife, including raccoons, rabbits and feral cats can spread these parasites in our environment.
Roundworms cause predictable health problems. Diarrhea, indigestion and weight loss are most common. But some animals carry these parasites within their digestive tract and never show any symptoms.
Adult roundworms can be 3 inches long or larger. They produce microscopically small eggs which are passed in the manure from a host animal. Infection occurs when another animal ingests these microscopic eggs. And it's not hard to see how people, especially children, can become infected. Toddlers love to put things in their mouth. And if they even touch some contaminated soil and lick their fingers or hands, they may ingest some of these eggs. Adults are less susceptible, but not immune to infection.
Infected humans might show the same gastrointestinal symptoms. But more dangerous problems start when the eggs mature into larvae (small worms) and penetrate the intestinal wall to migrate into other parts of the body. Wherever they go, they do considerable damage. In the kidney, they cause renal failure. In an eye, they cause blindness. Perhaps the worst is when a larva penetrates into the spinal column or brain. There are many, many documented cases of brain damage, blindness and other severe health problems in children, all attributable to these roundworms.
The threat is far more serious that most people realize. Recently, a daycare center in Southern California was closed because several children became seriously ill with roundworm infection. Authorities discovered a "raccoon latrine" (a common area where raccoons urinate and defecate) on the grounds. The play area for these children was contaminated with hundreds of thousands of roundworm eggs passed by these raccoons. Blood tests showed that many of the kids without symptoms had been infected but had not become ill. Those kids were lucky. But several others suffered major medical issues and some may never fully recover.
So how can we avoid infection? It may sound overly simplified, but common sense is important. Be sure your pets are free of parasites. All puppies and kittens should be checked for intestinal parasites and given medication to eliminate these worms. One of the safest ways for dogs is through the use of monthly heartworm protection. The active ingredient in this medication also kills roundworms.
But remember these parasites are in our environment wherever domestic animals and wildlife defecate. Raccoons, feral cats and other wild critters also spread these eggs. And these animals are everywhere in the South Valley, even in residential neighborhoods. They can pass worms to your pets or to your children. So, be sure to pick up after your pet and discard any manure in a closed container. If you have a sandbox, cover it when your children aren't using it; otherwise feral cats will use it as a litter box. And if you live (or go camping or hiking) where there are raccoons, look for raccoon latrines. These are often in a corner of a barn or old building or in a wood pile or other area that is easily accessed by these critters. Clean these areas and keep children away from them.
Roundworms are parasites that have always been in our environment, and usually they're not a problem. But the potential for serious disease is always there, especially if wildlife shares the area where you live. Be aware and protect your kids and your family.
Thanks to those of you who wrote me about your pet's reaction to the earthquake. Nine of you felt that your pet had some premonition of the earthquake only moments before it occurred. Mark noted that his dog, Spiffy, got on and off the couch several times and seemed restless. Charyn told me her parrot was on the bottom of his cage and very fussy minutes before the temblor. All the others said their pet was "uneasy" or "worried-looking" before the shake.
Dale wrote that there was an unusual visit by a skunk that afternoon prior to the quake. Usually, she explained, the skunks visit at night, but maybe this daytime visit was because the stinky guy felt something was about to happen.
Hmmm. I smell a story here somewhere. See you next month.
Pete Keesling Pete Keesling is a veterinarian at San Martin Veterinary Hospital. He writes a bi-weekly column for South Valley Newspapers and hosts a radio talk show, Dr. Pete's Petpourri, Sundays at 1 p.m. and Friday mornings at 7:10 on KSCO 1080 AM. If you have questions about pet care, e-mail them to smvet3@yahoo.com.
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