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Toews E, Musiani M, Smith A, Checkley S, Visscher D, Massolo A. Risk factors for Echinococcus multilocularis intestinal infections in owned domestic dogs in a North American metropolis (Calgary, Alberta). Sci Rep 2024; 14:5066. [PMID: 38429417 PMCID: PMC10907371 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55515-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Human alveolar echinococcosis is increasingly documented in Alberta, Canada. Its causative agent, Echinococcus multilocularis (Em), can be transmitted to humans by infected dogs. We assessed the prevalence and associated risk factors for Em infections in domestic dogs in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. In this cross-sectional study that coupled collection and assessment of dog feces with a survey on potential risk factors, 13 of 696 (Bayesian true prevalence, 2.4%; 95% CrI: 1.3-4.0%) individual dogs' feces collected during August and September 2012 were qPCR positive for Em. Sequencing two of these cases indicated that both were from the same Em European strain responsible for human infections in Alberta. Likelihood of intestinal Em was 5.6-times higher in hounds than other breeds, 4.6-times higher in dogs leashed at dog parks than those allowed off-leash, 3.1-times higher in dogs often kept in the backyard during spring and summer months than those rarely in the yard, and 3.3-times higher in dogs living in neighbourhoods bordering Bowmont park than those in other areas of Calgary. This situation warrants surveillance of dog infections as a preventative measure to reduce infections in North America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Toews
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Marco Musiani
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences (BiGeA), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Anya Smith
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Sylvia Checkley
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Darcy Visscher
- Department of Biology, The King's University, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Alessandro Massolo
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
- Ethology Unit, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via Volta 6, 56126, Pisa, Italy.
- UMR CNRS 6249 Chrono-Environnement, Université Franche-Comté, Besançon, France.
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Mori K, Rock M, McCormack G, Liccioli S, Giunchi D, Marceau D, Stefanakis E, Massolo A. Fecal contamination of urban parks by domestic dogs and tragedy of the commons. Sci Rep 2023; 13:3462. [PMID: 36859468 PMCID: PMC9977951 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-30225-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Contamination of public parks by dogs is a potential source of conflict among park users, causing "tragedy of the commons" problems. Besides the social conflict, feces can pose serious health risks to both dogs and humans. In this study we analyzed the extent and patterns of the distribution of dog feces in the urban parks of the City of Calgary. We collected dog feces from randomly selected locations in the urban parks. The average density of dog feces by the different dog leash policies of the parks and the distribution pattern of the fecal density within the parks were assessed, and the total contamination of the public parks for the entire city was estimated. We found off-leash parks to be significantly more contaminated than other types of parks. We estimated 127.23 g/ha of dog feces are left unpicked in city parks in total every week. Dog feces were found more often and in greater amount in off-leash parks, and near park entrances and parking lots, than in on-leash parks and away from the park entrances. These results suggest that public park visitors, especially those visiting off-leash parks, are likely to be exposed to large amounts of dog feces. Designation of parks as on-leash and educating dog-owners may be an effective approach for reducing the fecal contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kensuke Mori
- grid.31432.370000 0001 1092 3077Graduate School of Human Development and Environment/Department of Human Environmental Science, Kobe University, Kobe, Hyogo Japan
| | - Melanie Rock
- grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB Canada
| | - Gavin McCormack
- grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB Canada
| | - Stefano Liccioli
- grid.451141.4Grasslands National Park, Parks Canada Agency, Val Marie, SK Canada
| | - Dimitri Giunchi
- grid.5395.a0000 0004 1757 3729Ethology Unit, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Danielle Marceau
- grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Department of Geomatics Engineering, Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB Canada
| | - Emmanuel Stefanakis
- grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Department of Geomatics Engineering, Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB Canada
| | - Alessandro Massolo
- Ethology Unit, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy. .,Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada. .,UMR CNRS 6249 Chrono-Environnement, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Besancon, France.
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Retrospective Survey of Dog and Cat Endoparasites in Ireland: Antigen Detection. Animals (Basel) 2022; 13:ani13010137. [PMID: 36611746 PMCID: PMC9817875 DOI: 10.3390/ani13010137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Endoparasites of dogs and cats, play an important role in both veterinary medicine and public health. Untreated and stray dogs and cats, in particular, play an important role in contaminating the environment with important zoonotic parasites. Thus, the aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of intestinal parasites in stray dogs and cats using highly sensitive and specific copro-antigen tests. Archive faecal samples from previous surveys conducted between 2016−2019 from dogs (n = 789) and cats (n = 241) were included in this study. The IDEXX Fecal Dx™ antigen panel was used for the detection of Toxocara, hookworms, Trichuris and the SNAP™ Giardia antigen assay was used for the detection of Giardia infection. Giardia duodenalis was the most common parasite (26%, n = 205) detected in the dogs, followed by ascarids (17.6%, n = 139) and hookworms (5.3%, n = 42). Trichuris vulpis was only detected in 1 dog. Ascarids (23.2%, n = 56) was the most common parasite detected in the cats, followed by Giardia (12.9%, n = 31) and hookworms (n = 7, 2.9%). No whipworms were detected in cats. Overall, there was little difference in the positivity between sexes in both dogs and cats. However, in terms of age, adolescent dogs (<3 years) and kittens (<1 year) had the highest parasite prevalence overall, with G. duodenalis and ascarids being the most prevalent. This study shows a high prevalence of parasite infection in untreated and stray dogs and cats in the greater Dublin area in Ireland. Since they live in synanthropic conditions and can roam over vast distances they can contaminate public areas and pose a risk to both humans and owned pets that utilise these spaces. It is therefore important to raise public awareness and increase the knowledge on zoonotic parasites.
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Smith AF, Neumann N, Banting G, Klein C, Liccioli S, Massolo A. Molecular characterization of Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. from dogs and coyotes in an urban landscape suggests infrequent occurrence of zoonotic genotypes. Vet Parasitol 2020; 281:109115. [PMID: 32361137 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2020.109115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2019] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. are common gastrointestinal parasites with the potential for zoonotic transmission. This study aimed to (1) determine the genotypes occurring in dogs and coyotes occupying a similar urban area; (2) determine if these hosts were infected with potentially zoonotic genotypes; (3) provide baseline molecular data. In August and September 2012, 860 dog owners living in neighborhoods bordering six urban parks in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, provided faecal samples from their dogs. From March 2012 through July 2013, 193 coyote faeces were also collected from five of six of the same parks. Direct immunofluorescence microscopy (DFA) indicated that Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. infected a total of 64 (7.4%) and 21 (2.4%) dogs, as well as 15 (7.8%) and three (1.6%) coyotes, respectively. Semi-nested, polymerase chain reactions targeting the 16S small-subunit ribosomal ribonucleic acid (SSU rRNA) and 18S SSU rRNA genes of Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp., respectively, were conducted on samples that screened positive by DFA, and products were sequenced and genotyped. Dogs were infected with Giardia intestinalis canid-associated assemblages C (n = 14), D (n = 13), and Cryptosporidium canis (n = 3). Similarly, G. intestinalis assemblages C (n = 1), D (n = 1) and C. canis (n = 1), were detected in coyotes, as well as G. intestinalis assemblage A (n = 1) and Cryptosporidium vole genotype (n = 1). Dogs and coyotes were predominantly infected with host-specific genotypes and few potentially zoonotic genotypes, suggesting that they may not represent a significant risk for zoonotic transmission of these parasites in urban areas where these hosts are sympatric.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anya F Smith
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Clinical Service Innovation, Child Health BC, Provincial Health Services Authority, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | - Norman Neumann
- Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Graham Banting
- Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Claudia Klein
- Department of Veterinary Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Stefano Liccioli
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Grasslands National Park, Parks Canada Agency, Val Marie, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Alessandro Massolo
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Ethology Unit, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Province of Pisa, Italy; UMR CNRS 6249 Chrono-Environnement, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Besancon, France
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Rahim T, Barrios PR, McKee G, McLaws M, Kosatsky T. Public Health Considerations Associated with the Location and Operation of Off-Leash Dog Parks. J Community Health 2018; 43:433-440. [PMID: 29027053 PMCID: PMC5830495 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-017-0428-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Off-leash dog parks may enhance human health, but may also lead to health risk through infection or canine aggression. Published evidence was reviewed to examine positive and negative public health impacts of off-leash dog parks, as well as strategies for enhancing benefits and mitigating risks. Evidence suggests that off-leash dog parks can benefit physical and social health, as well as community connectedness. While studies have documented shedding of zoonotic agents in dog parks, the risk of transmission to humans is relatively unknown. Evidence on the risk of dog bites in off-leash dog parks is also limited. Case-examples from North American off-leash dog parks highlight the importance of park location/design, public adherence to safe and hygienic practices, and effective regulatory strategies for mitigating potential risks and maximizing the benefits of off-leash dog parks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tissa Rahim
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, 655 W 12th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4R4, Canada.
- Environmental Health Services, Vancouver, Canada.
| | - Pablo Romero Barrios
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, 655 W 12th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4R4, Canada
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Geoffrey McKee
- School of Public and Population Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Melissa McLaws
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, 655 W 12th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4R4, Canada
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Tom Kosatsky
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, 655 W 12th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4R4, Canada
- Environmental Health Services, Vancouver, Canada
- National Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health, Vancouver, Canada
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Examination of anonymous canine faecal samples provides data on endoparasite prevalence rates in dogs for comparative studies. Vet Parasitol 2017; 245:106-115. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2017.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2017] [Revised: 08/20/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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