Pet Parasites Can Be Transmitted to Humans

According to a recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention survey, more than half of pet owners are unaware that pet parasites can be transmitted to humans. In fact, some parasites that live in pets such as dogs and cats can cause zoonotic diseases (diseases that infect both animals and people)125.

These include dog roundworm (Toxocara canis), feline roundworm (Toxocara cati), heartworm, and toxoplasma. These parasites can be transmitted to humans through infected animal feces, soil, mosquitoes, and cat feces. According to international statistics, including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hundreds of serious cases, including vision loss, are reported each year5.

Domestically, surveys show that more than 85% of pet owners agree with the importance of preventing parasites, but only about 60% actually administer preventative medications or test for parasites on a regular basis. Experts emphasize regular vaccinations, good hygiene, washing hands after outdoor activities, and thorough hand hygiene after handling feces23.

Stray and feral cats are especially at risk for parasitic infections, so it's important to have a comprehensive exam and parasite test at the veterinarian when adopting a pet. Transmission of pet parasites to humans is rare, and most cases are mild or treatable. However, neglecting to prevent them can lead to serious health consequences, so awareness and active prevention are necessary for both pet owners and the general public25.

Some parasites that live in pets can be transmitted to humans. However, according to a national survey, only about half of pet owners were aware of this fact. Heartworms, roundworms, and toxoplasma are common zoonotic (infecting both animals and humans) parasites that can be transmitted via a variety of routes, including mosquitoes, feces, soil, and cat feces. Human transmission is rare, and most cases are mild or treatable. Experts recommend a comprehensive examination when adopting a pet, and emphasize the importance of regular parasite testing, preventative medication, and good hygiene.

Pet Parasites and Zoonotic Infections FAQs

Q1. Can pet parasites be transmitted to humans?

Yes, some parasites that live in pets, such as dogs and cats, can be transmitted to humans. These include dog roundworm (Toxocara canis), feline roundworm (Toxocara cati), heartworm, and toxoplasma157.

Q2. What are the routes of infection?

The main routes are feces from infected animals, contaminated soil, mosquitoes (for heartworm), and cat feces (for toxoplasma). Poor hand hygiene or lack of care after outdoor activities increases the risk of infection15.

Q3. Are there many actual cases of infection?

Human transmission is rare, but some countries, such as the United States, report hundreds of serious cases each year, including vision loss. There are also reports of infections at home and abroad, but most cases are mild or treatable25.

Q4. How can I prevent it?

Regular veterinary checks for parasites and preventative medications, good pet hygiene (bathing, keeping clean), washing hands after outdoor activities, and good hand hygiene after handling feces are effective preventative measures237.

Q5. What should I do when adopting a stray or feral cat?

Stray or feral cats are more likely to have parasitic infections, so they should be given a comprehensive checkup and parasite test at a veterinary clinic after adoption.

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