In the recent WormWatch study, supported by Boehringer Ingelheim, the prevalence of Toxocara, commonly known as roundworm, in the UK and Ireland was investigated by expert parasitologists and has been published in a peer-reviewed journal.
The WormWatch study provides eye-opening insights into the prevalence of roundworms in local parks.
From late January to early February 2020, 142 parks and recreational areas across the UK and Ireland were sampled (two per town or city) and analysed for Toxocara eggs.
Five soil samples were collected from each of the parks, samples were taken 50 to 100 meters of the entrance, with each sampling point at least 50 meters apart from others.
The results showed that 86.6 percent of parks in the UK and Ireland had Toxocara eggs in at least one of the five samples, with an average of 2.1 eggs per 50 gram of topsoil.
Furthermore, 70.4 percent of sites tested positive for Toxocara eggs on the first sample analysed, highlighting the high prevalence of roundworm eggs in areas frequently used for dog walks and other recreational activities.
The perceived general severity of dog fouling was higher in parks where Toxocara eggs were found compared to those in which no eggs were found.
The WormWatch study also reported that egg density was higher in parks with greater perceived levels of dog fouling.
Dogs can pick up Toxocara eggs from contaminated soil and bring the eggs into the family home on their paws and fur. If children or vulnerable adults then passively consume these eggs, for example by kissing pets or by poor hand hygiene, there can be serious consequences.
Once ingested, the eggs travel to the intestine to develop into adult worms, causing respiratory and intestinal symptoms. Adult roundworms can produce up to 200,000 eggs per day, which are then passed in the faeces.
After a few weeks, the eggs can infect a new host, beginning the cycle again.
Roundworms pose a serious public health risk. Toxocara infections are associated with several conditions which affect humans.
Toxocara environmental transmission and infections can be proactively managed through monthly worming in dogs. However, worming treatment frequencies by UK pet owners are below those recommended in expert guidelines.
“What’s the risk?” campaign has been launched by Boehringer Ingelheim to help raise awareness of the danger parasites can pose to pets and their owners.
Following the recent WormWatch study, “What’s the risk?” aims to help dog owners realise the importance of monthly worming through educational resources for vet practices and owners, to protect dogs and their families.
You can find out more about WormWatch at the Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health stand at this year’s London Vet Show, 16-17 November 2023 at ExCeL, London, or at their website.
Join the expert panel of parasitologist speakers to find out more and receive a WormWatch picnic blanket and goody bag.
