The main purpose of the law requiring people to pick up dog faeces is because it is unhygienic and a health hazard. One of the most serious risks is of contracting Toxocariasis from accidental ingestion of the mature eggs of the parasite Toxocara Canis - commonly known as roundworm. Toxocariasis has been linked to blindness, epilepsy and asthma. Although the parasite can be found in cats, its main host is the dog and its eggs are found in dog faeces. The eggs of Toxocara can remain viable for up to two years. If the faeces are left in parks, paths, verges, sandpits or play areas, they can be picked up on shoes, children's hands and the wheels of pushchairs, bikes and wheelchairs. It may take weeks or months after swallowing these eggs for symptoms to develop and they may last for a year or more. Symptoms include one or more of the following: headache, fever, sore throat, aching limbs, abdominal pain, sleep disturbance, listlessness, pneumonia and asthma. Eye symptoms are not always present although blindness resulting from toxocariasis affects around 100 people a year and may develop four to 10 years after the initial infection. Children in particular are vulnerable because they may play where irresponsible dog owners have allowed their dogs to foul without clearing it up afterwards. Please be considerate to others and think about those who are blind or have young children that may walk in your dog's faeces. Wheelchair users will also experience considerable inconvenience if their wheelchair rolls though your dog's faeces. Prevention of Toxocariasis The disease can be controlled if dog faeces are disposed of immediately in a responsible manner. As other animals are not hosts for toxicara and are also less likely to be fouling areas where the public walk or play, the fouling legislation does not extend to clearing up after other animals. Regular worming of dogs can help reduce the problem and it is recommended that dogs are wormed regularly. Dog owners are advised to check with their veterinarian as to a suitable product and worming programme for their dog. You cannot catch toxocariasis from an infected human being, only from the faeces of an infected animal - usually a dog. Always wash you hands after handling animals or soil and before touching food.
|
|
