People, pets and parks…

Spring finds people flocking to parks everywhere. Moms and tots gravitate to the spaciousness, the fresh air the jungle gyms and flowered walkways. Meanwhile, the great debate continues about the use of parks by pets, as some pet owners continue to show their disinterest in stooping and scooping after their pet.

I came across a very interesting article the other day on the topic of roundworms in cats and dogs, which perhaps can shed some more light on the subject of people, pets and parks.  

Roundworms are common intestinal parasites of dogs and cats and are highly infectious to people. Almost every puppy and kitten has roundworms.

Infected pets contaminate their surroundings quickly. A single canine roundworm can produce up to 85,000 eggs a day. The eggs are passed from the dog’s or cat’s stool to the environment. Pets and people become infected when these eggs are eaten. Worm eggs are commonly found in the soil at playgrounds, parks and even some backyards. A recent New England study revealed that more than 25 percent of playground soil samples are contaminated with roundworm eggs. The eggs remain infective for years, and do not die during the cold winter or hot summer months.

Interested in more information? Check in with the CDC (www.cdc.gov/healthypets) and the Companion Animal Parasite Council (www.petsandparasites.org) which are terrific resources.

Read the full story here:
http://www.newburyportnews.com/pulife/local_story_129171831.html?keyword=topstory