Ehrlichiosis: a disease transmitted to humans and animals by ticks that can cause abnormalities in blood, such anemia.

Feces: bodily waste discharged through the anus. Also called stools, or informally, poop..

Giardia: a parasite in the intestines of humans and animals causing sever diarrhea.

Heartworms: a worm living in the heart and/or lungs of dogs and cats, transmitted by mosquitoes. The adult worm can measure as long as 16 inches in length.

Hookworms: any of numerous small parasitic worms living in the intestines of dogs, drinking the host’s blood resulting in anemia. They have hooked mouthparts which fasten to the intestinal walls of the host.

Host: a living animal or plant from which a parasite obtains nutrition.

Lyme Disease: disease transmitted by deer ticks, caused Rickettsia. The disease infects both humans and animals, resulting in a rash and if untreated can result in severe symptoms.

Parasite: an organism that lives on or in an organism of another species, known as the host.

Preventative: a drug, vaccine, etc., for preventing disease

Rickettsiosis: infectious disease transmitted by ticks, mites or body lice infected with rickettsial organisms.

Roundworms: among the most common of the parasitic worms found in dogs and cats,  adult roundworms live in the intestines. Animals with major roundworm infections show weight loss, dull hair, and a potbellied appearance.

Tapeworms: any of a number of flat, ribbon-like parasitic worms living in the intestines of humans and animals.

Toxocara: roundworms

Toxoplasmosis: parasite transmitted to humans by consumption of insufficiently cooked meat, soil or exposure to organisms in cat feces.

Vector-borne disease: diseases transmitted though the bite of another organism, such as fleas, ticks or mosquitoes.

Whipworms: a slender, whip-shaped, parasitic nematode worm that often infests the intestine of animals, resulting in diarrhea.

Zoonosis: any disease shared by animals and humans.

Zoonotic: passed between animals and humans.

It is fairly common for a dog or cat to become infected with an internal or external parasite at some point in its lifetime. Parasites can affect your pet in a variety of ways, ranging from simple irritation to causing life-threatening conditions if left untreated. Some parasites can even infect and transmit diseases to you and your family.

Your veterinarian can help prevent, accurately diagnose and safely treat parasites and other health problems that not only affect your dog or cat, but also the safety of you and your family.

For more information on how parasites affect your dog or cat, the health risks to people and prevention tips, please visit us at www.petsandparasites.org.

What is a zoonotic disease?

Zoonoses, or zoonotic diseases, are those diseases that can be transmitted directly or indirectly from animals to humans. For example, some worms can be transmitted in the environment.

What is a vector-borne disease?

Vector-borne diseases are those transmitted by fleas or ticks among other parasites that infest dogs and cats. They can affect pets and people. Ticks can transmit a large number of “vector-borne” diseases in North America including ehrlichiosis, Lyme disease, relapsing fever, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia.

Parasites that may affect your pet

Common questions about pets and parasites

Do fleas and ticks on my pet present a health risk to my family?

Yes. Fleas and ticks can carry and either directly or indirectly transmit several potential illnesses of humans. For example, rickettsiosis (infection with Rickettsia) can be transmitted directly by ticks. Bartonellosis (infection with Bartonella) is transmitted between cats by fleas and then may spread to people. Also, fleas serve as an intermediate host for tapeworms, which can infect both your pet and humans.

What kind of internal parasites or worms can infect my cat or dog?

There are a number of intestinal worms that can infect dogs and cats, and they vary according to the species. In general, these include roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and tapeworms, and they are very prolific. In fact, one worm can produce more than 100,000 eggs per day, which are then passed in the pet’s feces and spread throughout
the area the pet roams. Once in the environment, some of these eggs can remain infective and present a health risk for your pet and humans for years.

Are heartworms a parasite I should be concerned about for my pet?

Yes. Heartworms can be a very serious problem for both dogs and cats, especially those in mosquito-infested areas, as mosquitoes are a vector and intermediate host for the pest. Heartworms can kill or seriously debilitate pets that are infected with them. That’s because heartworms live in the bloodstream, lungs and heart of infected pets. Your veterinarian can do a blood test to determine if your pet has heartworm disease. A year-round preventive program is most effective to keep pets free of heartworms.

If my dog or cat has intestinal worms, how can these parasites infect humans?

Roundworms are the most common intestinal parasite of pets and the most likely to be transmitted to humans. Humans can accidentally ingest infective worm eggs that have been passed through the pet’s feces and left in the environment. The eggs can then hatch in the human’s intestinal tract, and the immature worms can travel to various tissues in the body, including the eyes and brain, potentially causing serious infections.

For more frequently asked questions and answers, please visit us at www.petsandparasites.org or consult with your veterinarian.

Reducing risks for your family

You can reduce the risk of parasitic infection to your family by eliminating parasites from pets; restricting access to contaminated areas, such as sandboxes, pet “walk areas,” and other high-traffic areas; and practicing good personal hygiene.

Disposing of pet feces on a regular basis can help remove potentially infective worm eggs before they become distributed in the environment and are picked up or ingested by pets or humans.

Year-round prevention

Parasites can infect your pet any time of year. External parasites, such as fleas and ticks, may be less prevalent outside during certain times of the year; however, they often survive in the house during the winter months, creating an uninterrupted life cycle. Other internal parasites, such as worms, may affect your pet all year long. That’s why it’s
important to consult with your veterinarian to implement a year-round parasite control program.

What can I do?

Responsible pet parasite control can reduce the risks associated with transmission of parasitic diseases from pets to people. By following a few simple guidelines, pet owners can better protect their pets and their family.

• Practice good personal hygiene.
• Use a preventative flea and/or tick treatment year-round.
• Only feed pets cooked or prepared food (not raw meat).
• Minimize exposure to high-traffic pet areas.
• Clean up pet feces regularly.
• Visit your veterinarian for annual testing and physical examination.
• Administer worming medications as recommended by your veterinarian.
• Ask your veterinarian about parasite infection risks and effective year-round preventative control measures administered monthly.

For more important information about parasite control guidelines, ask your veterinarian or visit us at www.petsandparasites.org.

The Companion Animal Parasite Council

The Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) is an independent council of veterinarians and other animal healthcare professionals established to create guidelines for the optimal control of internal and external parasites that threaten the health of pets and people. It brings together broad expertise in parasitology, internal medicine, public health, veterinary law, private practice and association leadership.

Initially convened in 2002, CAPC was formed with the express purpose of changing the way veterinary professionals and pet owners approach parasite management. The CAPC advocates best practices for protecting pets from parasitic infections and reducing the risk of zoonotic parasite transmission.

Only cats and other members of the cat family shed Toxoplasma in their feces. Cats may shed the parasite in their feces for 7-21 days the first time they get infected with Toxoplasma.

If they are allowed outside, pet cats can get infected when they catch and eat wild animals. Toxoplasma can be found in the feces of pets and stray cats, bobcats, as well as mountain lions.

Parasites spread throughout the body to places like the lung, eye and brain in cats and people, and remain in the body for a long time.

How do cats and people become infected?

People can get Toxoplasma by:
• Eating the parasite in raw or undercooked meat, mussels and oysters.
• Eating dirt that has Toxoplasma in it either by not washing hands or by not washing fruits and vegetables.
• Not washing hands after cleaning the cat box.
• Drinking water that contains Toxoplasma.

Babies can be born with toxoplasmosis if their mothers were infected while they were pregnant.

Symptoms of infection

Toxoplasma rarely causes serious disease in people or cats. Although many cats in the U.S. are infected with Toxoplasma, most aren’t shedding the parasite in their feces, and most people don’t get sick even when infected. Those that do may be ill for about 2 weeks with:

• Flu-like symptoms
• Fever
• Headache and muscle aches
• Sore throat and swollen neck

Severe illness can occur if a person’s immune system is not working well, as can occur with AIDS and other chronic
illnesses. In these cases the body’s defenses may not be able to control the spread of Toxoplasma, and the parasites may cause brain disease. Severe consequences may occur in babies born to a mother who was infected while pregnant, including birth defects, blindness and brain damage. Pregnant women who are infected are also at risk of miscarriage.

If you think you have been exposed to Toxoplasma, especially if you are pregnant, talk to your doctor.

10 tips to prevent infection during pregnancy

1. Eat only well-cooked meat and drink only safe (non-contaminated) water.
2. Wash your hands well after any exposure to soil (gardening), sandboxes, or raw meat.
3. Wash fresh fruits and vegetables to reduce soil contamination.
4. Cover sandboxes and play areas to prevent wildlife and stray cats from contaminating these areas.
5. Keep cats indoors to minimize their risk of infection.
6. Feed cats only commercial cat food or well-cooked meat.
7. Choose adult cats as pets.
8. Have a spouse, partner or friend change the litter box. If changing the litter is unavoidable, wear gloves and change it daily. Be certain to wash hands well after changing the litter.
9. Pick up cat feces from the yard daily.
10. Take your cat to the veterinarian regularly and have your cat tested for parasites at least yearly.

Protect your environment

Keep water going to sewage treatment plants or septic systems Toxoplasma free. Sewage treatment may not kill Toxoplasma in cat feces. Throwing cat feces or litter down the toilet or outdoors could allow more Toxoplasma parasites to get into our rivers and oceans, putting wildlife at risk of infection, including sea otters.

• Put cat feces in plastic bags for disposal in a sanitary landfill.
• Remove cat feces from your yard.

Toxoplasma lives for months in soil and can be carried over long distances in water. Following these guidelines will help prevent Toxoplasma infections in cats, people and wildlife.

Heartworms are known to occur throughout the U.S., and though they have been preventable for decades, they are still common in dogs and cats. Transmitted by mosquitoes, they are among the most damaging canine and feline parasites. Heartworms are transmitted by feeding mosquitoes and, once mature, take residence in the heart and large vessels of the lungs.

Heartworms can be a very serious problem for both dogs and cats, especially those in mosquito infested areas. Because heartworms live in the bloodstream, lungs and heart, they can kill or seriously debilitate pets that are infected with them.

See Your Veterinarian

Your veterinarian can conduct a simple blood test to determine if your pet has heartworms or heartworm disease. Diagnosis in cats can be more challenging. A year-round preventive program is recommended by authorities and is most effective to keep pets free of heartworms.

Common questions about heartworms

Should I be concerned about heartworms in my pet?

Yes. Heartworms are transmitted by the bite of mosquitoes from an infected pet. They must go through the mosquito, not directly from dog to dog. Heartworms can kill or seriously debilitate pets that are infected with them. That’s because heartworms live in the bloodstream, lungs and heart of infected pets.

How will heartworms affect my dog?

The heartworm larvae deposited by the feeding mosquito eventually migrate to the chambers of the heart or into the vessels of the lungs. Once in the heart, the worms can affect blood flow throughout the body. Heartworms may be up to a foot long and your pet may have anywhere from one to several dozen in their heart and adjacent blood vessels.

Heartworm infection can affect many different organs of the dog. While the heart and lungs may suffer most, other organs such as the kidneys and liver may be impacted. A veterinarian may suspect that an animal has been infected if an active animal tires easily or shows shortness of breath or coughing; however, one or more tests conducted by your veterinarian may be necessary to determine whether or not your dog has heartworms. There may be no signs at all. This makes testing and prevention all the more important to do before signs begin.

Can my cat be affected by heartworms?

Yes. However, feline heartworm disease can differ significantly from its canine counterpart, and may require the use of several diagnostic tests or procedures to confirm a diagnosis. Cats with clinical heartworm disease usually present with respiratory signs such as coughing and/or difficulty breathing, or even intermittent vomiting not associated with eating. Other signs include weight loss and/or diarrhea without accompanying respiratory signs. The respiratory signs are difficult to differentiate from those observed with feline asthma.

How do I prevent my pets from getting heartworms?

All dogs and cats are at risk, even those animals that primarily live indoors. However, heartworms are preventable.

Ask your veterinarian about heartworm prevention. Preventive treatment should begin at six or eight weeks of age in puppies and after tests have been conducted in older dogs to determine if your dog has already been infected. If your dog does have heartworms, your veterinarian can advise you about treatment options. In dogs over six months of age, a blood test is recommended before starting medication.

Tips to protect your family and your pet.

Wash your hands well after contact with an animal.

• Do not allow children to put dirt in their mouths.
• Pick up dog and cat waste from your yard daily, especially in areas where both children and animals play.
• Cover home sandboxes to protect them from fecal contamination.
• Have your pet tested regularly (one or two times a year) for parasites by a veterinarian and administer year-roundpreventive medications to control internal parasites that present a risk to your pet and your family.

Why should I control parasites for my pet year-round?

Isolated cases of human infection have been reported, but heartworm is generally not considered a risk to human health. However, due to the large number of internal and external parasites and the high risk of pet infection, controlling parasites year-round is the most reliable way to ensure the highest level of health for your pet and well-being of your family. Year-round prevention is the most effective way to control cat and dog parasites and the diseases they can carry.

The Companion Animal Parasite Council

The Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) is an independent council of veterinarians and other heath care professionals established to create guidelines for the optimal control of internal and external parasites that threaten the health of pets and people. It brings together broad expertise in pararsitology, internal medicine, human health care, public health, veterinary law, private practice and association leadership.

                  Giardia Cyst                                     Trophozoite

Giardia is passed in the feces of animals in the form of a cyst that is resistant to many environmental extremes.
These cysts are scattered through the environment in feces or fecal-contaminated water. These cysts are infectious
when passed, and upon ingestion by the next host, the encysted trophozoites emerge from the cysts in the intestinal
tract. Within the intestine, the trophozoites feed and multiply. Some trophozoites will then form a cyst wall around
themselves, and those cysts will be passed in the feces to continue the cycle.

How Do Dogs, Cats, and People Become Infected?

People and pets rarely share each other’s Giardia

People are typically infected with a human form of Giardia, dogs with a canine form, cats with a feline form, and cattle
and sheep with a ruminant form. People are occasionally infected with a different form that is shared with animals. On
rare occasions dogs and cats have been found infected with the human form. Thus, there is little evidence for direct
transmission from pet dogs and cats to people. However, the rare occurrence of the human forms in cats and dogs
means that there may be a slight chance that they pose a risk as a source of human infection.

To be able to distinguish the specific forms, the veterinarian is required to submit samples for specialized tests.

Symptoms of Infection

In dogs and cats, infection with Giardia is usually asymptomatic. Some pets will, however, develop persistent diarrhea. There is usually no blood in the stool.

In people, infection with Giardia also is often asymptomatic. However, some people can develop acute, intermittent, or chronic nonbloody diarrhea. Other symptoms in people include abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and weight loss.

Prevention and Treatment

• Unlike for heartworm disease, there are no drugs that can be routinely given to a pet that will prevent infection.
• Dogs, cats, and people that have symptoms of the infection can be treated; however, there are situations where it is difficult to clear an animal of their infections.
• There are approved drugs for treating the infection in people. These drugs have not been approved for this specific use in dogs and cats, but these and similar drugs are used in them.

Risk Factors for Human Infection

1. Accidentally swallowing Giardia cysts from surfaces contaminated with feces, such as bathroom fixtures,changing tables, diaper pails, or toys contaminated with feces.
2. Drinking water from contaminated sources (e.g., lakes, streams, shallow [less than 50 feet]or poorly maintained wells).
3. Swallowing recreational water contaminated with cysts. Recreational water includes water in swimming pools, water parks, hot tubs or spas, fountains, lakes, rivers, springs, ponds, or streams that can be contaminated with feces or sewage.
4. Eating contaminated uncooked, fresh produce.
5. Having contact with someone who is infected with Giardiasis.
6. Changing diapers of children with Giardiasis
7. Traveling to countries where Giardiasis is common and being exposed to the parasite as described above.

The Companion Animal Parasite Council

The Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) is an independent council of veterinarians and other heath care
professionals established to create guidelines for the optimal control of internal and external parasites that threaten
the health of pets and people. It brings together broad expertise in pararsitology, internal medicine, human health
care, public health, veterinary law, private practice and association leadership.

Lyme disease occurs when an infected tick embeds itself in your dog or cat. Because ticks can be carriers of many diseases, including Lyme disease, it is essential to protect your pet against ticks and other parasites with a regular monthly prevention all year long, according to CAPC. Your veterinarian can recommend a preventive that meets the needs of your pet and your lifestyle, and you can monitor reported cases by visiting CAPC’s Parasite Prevalence Maps.

To make it even easier to stay updated on these occurrences, CAPC also provides automatic email updates for the maps by county. Click here to learn how to sign up for the updates.

Symptoms of Lyme disease include fever, lameness, swollen joints, enlarged lymph nodes, lethargy, depression and anorexia. While Lyme disease cannot be transmitted from dogs to humans, a high prevalence of Lyme disease in dogs often may mean a higher incidence of Lyme disease in humans.

In addition to the Lyme disease forecast, CAPC has issued forecasts and prevalence maps for three other parasites this year: heartworm disease, ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis. Localized forecasting is also valuable if you plan to travel with your dog to a location where the threat may be even higher.

CAPC develops its forecasts in partnership with Clemson University statisticians also responsible for developing the model for severe weather forecasting. The forecasts are based on several factors, including temperature, precipitation, humidity, elevation, forest cover, population density, reported Lyme disease cases and deer strikes with cars. The forecast is also the collective expert opinion of respected parasitologists who engage in ongoing research and data interpretation to better understand and monitor disease transmission and changing life cycles.  To learn more Click here.

CAPC provides the veterinary and pet owner community with the latest numbers of tested and reported cases of heartworm and other parasites that affect pets in the Parasite Prevalence Maps section. As new disease prevalence information becomes available, CAPC also sends out automatic email updates to alert owners by state and by county. Owners can also Visit the “How To” Page to learn how to sign up to receive these updates for their specific area and to access information for any place they may be traveling.

Heartworm disease can be found in all 50 states and is caused when an infected mosquito bites your dog or cat. Over a period of weeks and months, larvae move from the bite wound through the body and develop into small worms. These worms make their way to the heart and surrounding arteries. They can grow to be up to a foot long and can live in a dog five to seven years. Because the disease takes time to develop, some pets may be infected without any noticeable symptoms, making annual testing by your veterinarian even more important. When symptoms become evident, they may include cough, lack of energy, intolerance to exercise and fainting. If left untreated, the dog can die. There is no treatment for heartworm-infected cats.

CAPC says the best way to avoid heartworm disease in your dog or cat is with a monthly preventive. There are many available from your veterinarian, who will help you find one best suited for you and your pet. The organization recommends year-round prevention as well as annual testing. In the case of heartworm disease, prevention definitely is the best medicine. To learn more tips on how to protect your loved ones from disease, visit the CAPC heartworm brochure available here.

CAPC bases its parasite forecasts on several factors, including temperature, precipitation, humidity, elevation, forest cover, population density, reported ehrlichiosis cases and deer strikes with cars. The forecast is also the collective expert opinion of respected parasitologists who engage in ongoing research and data interpretation to better understand and monitor disease transmission and changing life cycles.  Click Here to learn more about the CAPC forecasts.

Ehrlichiosis is a tick-borne bacterial infection that invades a dog’s blood cells. Common symptoms include fever, lethargy, depression, loss of appetite and weight loss. Other symptoms may include swollen limbs, hemorrhages, neurologic problems, vomiting, diarrhea and ocular lesions. An otherwise healthy dog may be able to eliminate the bacteria from its system on its own. However, if the dog’s immune system cannot eliminate the bacteria, the disease will progress and the dog may become unable to manufacture blood cells or platelets. Ehrlichiosis can be treated successfully but, if left untreated, the disease can be fatal.

To ensure your dog does not suffer from ehrlichiosis, CAPC recommends regular examinations, at least annually, by a veterinarian. In addition, CAPC guidelines recommend a year-round parasite-control medication, which often requires a monthly application.

You can find out more about the number of dogs affected by ehrlichiosis by consulting the CAPC Parasite Prevalence Maps. Check out the maps to learn how high the infection risks are in your geographic area by county and state. The localized views are also a good resource if you plan to travel with your dog and want to protect your dog from potential infestations in new areas.

To stay informed about ongoing parasite activity in your area, you can sign up for automatic email updates from CAPC. Go to the CAPC Parasite Prevalence Maps and click on “Get Updates.” Enter your email address in the provided field and click “Subscribe.” Then, you will receive an email confirmation and should begin receiving updates as they are posted. Visit the How To Page for signup instructions to begin receiving the parasite prevalence updates.

CAPC bases its parasite forecasts on several factors, including temperature, precipitation, humidity, elevation, forest cover, population density, reported ehrlichiosis cases and deer strikes with cars. The forecast is also the collective expert opinion of respected parasitologists who engage in ongoing research and data interpretation to better understand and monitor disease transmission and changing life cycles.  Click Here to learn more about our forecasts.

Anaplasmosis is spread by the deer tick in the Upper Midwest and Northeast and by the western blacklegged tick in the West. Symptoms can develop within one to two weeks of a tick bite if one of these tick species attaches to and infects your dog. Common symptoms include fever, lethargy, depression, anorexia and weight loss. Other symptoms may include swollen limbs, hemorrhages, bleeding, neurologic problems, vomiting, diarrhea and ocular lesions. If left untreated, the disease can be fatal.

Because the potential for infection from anaplasmosis is higher than normal nationwide, you should consult the CAPC Parasite Prevalence Maps to check the risk for disease in your geographic area. The maps provide statistics about the number of dogs affected by anaplasmosis by state and county. The information can serve as a helpful starting point for discussing the importance of year-round parasite control with your veterinarian.

To stay informed about ongoing parasite activity in your area, you can sign up for automatic email updates from CAPC. Go to the CAPC Parasite Prevalence Maps and click on “Get Updates.” Enter your email address in the provided field and click “Subscribe.” Then, you will receive an email confirmation and should begin receiving updates as they are posted. Visit the How To Page for signup instructions to begin receiving the parasite prevalence updates.

CAPC bases its parasite forecasts on several factors, including temperature, precipitation, humidity, elevation, forest cover, population density, reported anaplasmosis cases and deer strikes with cars. The forecast is also the collective expert opinion of respected parasitologists who engage in ongoing research and data interpretation to better understand and monitor disease transmission and changing life cycles.  Click Here to Learn More.

Anaplasmosis was first reported in dogs from Minnesota and Wisconsin in 1996 and, since that time, the number of cases in dogs has steadily increased. Most anaplasmosis outbreaks occur in warmer months from April through September when ticks are most active. However, a tick can infect your dog any month of the year, which is why CAPC recommends year-round parasite-control medication for dogs, which often requires a monthly application. In addition, CAPC guidelines recommend regular examinations, at least annually, by a veterinarian.

Winter lulls many people into a false sense of security when it comes to ticks and the risk of contracting diseases they carry, because it’s commonly held that these blood-sucking parasites cannot survive in colder temperatures.

The reality is that ticks transmit disease 12 months of the year, in every U.S. state, and the adult tick that transmits Lyme disease is most active from October through March. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the incidence of Lyme disease, which affects tens of thousands of pets and humans every year, is growing. That’s not surprising when you consider that the areas of high risk are expanding.

To put those risks into perspective, the CAPC has issued the 2012 Fall Parasite Forecast for Lyme disease. Developed through an ongoing partnership between our experts – the nation’s foremost parasitologists, and renowned statisticians from Clemson University, the CAPC Parasite Forecasts serve as reminders for pet owners to work with their veterinarians to make sure their pets are protected from ticks every month of the year.

The CAPC 2012 Fall Lyme Disease Forecast calls for increased risk in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region, the upper Midwest, the Southeastern United States and all along the West Coast. The disease incidence is steadily spreading southward, even into some areas traditionally free or with low incidence of Lyme disease such as the Midwest and parts of the Southeast. The Northeast continues as the most Lyme endemic region of the country. Check out our Forecast map to see historical prevalence and predicted hotspots for Lyme disease over the next year.

While pet owners cannot “catch” Lyme disease from animals, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that dogs serve as sentinels for the infection. The CDC analyzed various data, including information from the CAPC’s parasite prevalence maps, and concluded that people who live in areas with a higher-than-average number of dogs with Lyme disease are at greater risk of contracting it. Additionally, untreated pets can bring infected ticks into your home or yard, underscoring the importance of year-round use of tick control pet products.

Each year, millions of pets are infected by parasitic diseases, yet only about half of the 78 million pet dogs in the United States are protected. That means too many of our beloved pets unnecessarily suffer and sometimes die from preventable conditions. Pet owners can and should thwart parasitic diseases with year-round, easy-to-administer medication. As a pet owner myself, I rank parasite control as critical to my dog’s health as vaccinations and regular checkups.

No one is more important to your dog’s well-being than your veterinarian, the local expert on parasitic conditions. Make sure to consult veterinary doctors about which parasite preventives are best for your pet and your family’s lifestyle.

To find out more about how many pets in your neighborhood are affected by parasitic diseases, consult the CAPC’s prevalence maps. You can find out how high the infection risks are for numerous conditions in your county or state and use that information as a jumping-off point for discussions with your veterinarian.

Winter is no substitute for parasite prevention. No matter where you live or what season it is, dogs deserve to be protected from threats that ticks and other creepy crawlers pose.

So, what exactly are bed bugs?

Bed bugs are insects in the family Cimicidae. Two species are associated with humans (others are parasites of birds, bats and other mammals): Cimex lectularius is present worldwide, while Cimex hemipterus is a tropical bug. These are small (1-7 mm) brownish-red, flattened, wingless, blood-feeding insects; adults are about the size of a grain of rice. They have 6 legs and 2 long antennae made up of 4 segments. Bed bugs, as the name implies, are present mainly in areas where people and animals sleep. They are active at night (peak activity is usually between midnight and 6 am) when they feed on sleeping people and animals. Females lay eggs in cracks and crevices (e.g. head boards, box springs, bed frames, mattress seams, furniture joints, baseboard cracks, etc.), places where bed bugs routinely hide while not feeding.  These eggs hatch into nymphs, which are miniature replicas of the adults. After 5 generations of nymphs, adults develop. Adults then mate and produce more eggs. All stages of bed bugs (excluding eggs, of course), feed on blood typically every 8-10 days, but they can go months without a meal.

Why are bed bugs important?

As mentioned above, these bugs must feed on blood, and will feed on humans as well as cats and dogs.  Fortunately, bed bugs have not been shown to transmit any diseases; however, their bites can cause anemia (especially in children), pruritus (itchiness), allergic reactions, discomfort, sleeplessness, and stress.  In addition, they can be very hard to control or eradicate (especially in multi-family homes and buildings), leading sometimes to great monetary expense. In addition, because bed bug infestations may require at least some insecticide use, their presence increases exposure of people and animals to pesticides; it is of utmost importance that these chemicals, if used, be used only as specified on their labels to reduce the risk of health problems from these potentially toxic compounds.

How do bed bugs get into a home or building?

Bed bugs are great hitch-hikers and expert hiders. Due to their small size, they can hide away and be transported into a home through “passive transport”, that is: they simply hitch a ride in furniture seams, mattress folds, seams in luggage, folded clothes, bedding, etc.  In multi-family or multi-occupancy homes and buildings (e.g. apartment buildings, hotels, shelters, rooming houses, cruise ships) bed bugs can also move actively between rooms (i.e. they can literally walk from one room to another). Bed bugs are closely associated with people and our belongings. Although bugs can sometimes be found on cats and dogs, this situation is unusual; it is not likely that cats and dogs will introduce a bed bug infestation into a home because any bugs that crawled onto them to feed during the night generally would have gone into hiding during the day. So, it is more likely the bugs are stowed away in your luggage than on your cat or dog (or on you, for that matter).

Will bed bugs bite cats and dogs?

Yes, in addition to biting and feeding on people, bedbugs are known to feed on cats and dogs in infested homes. 
How do you know if you have an infestation?
There are several clues or signs that can help identify infestations. In rare reports, people have observed bed bugs crawling on themselves, or their pets. However, as mentioned above, this is unusual. More likely, are the telltale signs of small insect bites anywhere on the body; these may resemble those of other biting insects (mosquitos or fleas), so it is important to look for other signs. Like other insects, bed bugs must shed their exoskeletons in order to grow, so finding these “molts” can help identify an infestation, as well as finding actual bed bugs in the folds of the mattress or trapped in the sheets. In addition, bed bug feces may leave rusty spots on bedding or nearby furniture and bugs are said to give a sweet, musty odor to areas in which they are present.  Additionally, a number of commercial bed bug traps and monitors are now available, and bed bug detecting dogs can sniff out infestations.

What can you do if you believe you have bedbugs in your home?

If you believe there are already bedbugs in your home, try to collect a sample for an expert to identify, and contact your landlord or a pest control company that has experience with bed bug control.  Controlling and eradicating bed bugs is a process that will take time and patience. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in conjunction with the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, have put together a joint statement on bedbug control, which includes non-chemical as well as chemical measures for control - statement .  Frequent vacuuming and laundering (including drying in high heat), reduction of clutter, and sealing cracks and crevices can help reduce the number of bugs. Use of diatomaceous earth may also be helpful in this regard. If the infestation is not heavy, these measures alone could eventually eradicate the infestation. However, in certain situations, use of effective and approved pesticides by professionals may be needed. Remember, if a product does not have a U.S. EPA registration number, it has not been reviewed by the EPA and its safety and efficacy against bed bugs is not known. In addition, any pesticide to be used against bed bugs should have these bugs explicitly listed on the label, otherwise it is unknown if the product would be of any use against them.

Can pet anti-tick and anti-flea products keep bed bugs away?

Anti-tick and anti-flea pet products are just that: tick and flea products. They were not developed to protect pets against bed bugs and would be expected to have little or no effect on an infestation.

How can I protect my pets from a bed bug infestation?

Bed bugs do not live on animals the way fleas do. They are hidden in the environment and come out only at night to feed. Thus, it is unusual for pets to carry bugs on them.  Protecting pets from bed bugs is achieved by default as you protect yourself and your home from bed bugs: through vigilance and hygiene. If you already have an infestation at home, eradicating that infestation will keep your entire family (including your pets) protected from the nuisance of bed bugs. When travelling (with or without your pet), check areas around the bed (head board and box spring, especially) for bed bugs or signs of bed bug infestation. Remember that these bugs are visible to the naked eye, although they are small. Keep luggage, pet crates and pet bedding away from the bed, if possible (consider storing them in the bathroom or a space away from sleeping areas and couches). When leaving your hotel, inspect all luggage, pet crates and pet bedding carefully to try to ensure no hidden bugs will be travelling home with you.  Consider having your pet bathed and groomed before bringing them home (this may remove any bugs from the animal if they happen to be present), and visually inspect your pet for bed bugs. Luggage, pet carriers, and bedding can be left in the car for about 1-2 weeks after you return home. In areas of the country with extreme weather (hot and cold) this can further reduce the number of live bed bugs by heat-killing or freezing them. When you do bring these belongings into your home, launder everything immediately (clothing, pet bedding, etc.) being sure to use hot water and/or the dryer on medium-high heat; washing alone will not kill bed bugs, but high-heat drying will.  There is no fail-safe way to ensure that you, your belongings or your pet will not bring unwanted guests home, but these measures can help reduce the risk.

By Araceli Lucio-Forster, PhD.
Teaching Support Specialist, Department of Microbiology and Immunology
College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University

Aren’t babies wonderful?! They’re the embodiment of your hopes and dreams and so full of wonder and curiosity. But the explorations and investigations of young children can bring some unexpected exposures to dangers you may not see. These risks are completely avoidable in most cases.

While you are pregnant:

During pregnancy Toxoplasmosis presents an uncommon but serious risk to your pregnancy. Some simple steps can be taken to eliminate the risk. Be sure meats you eat are properly cooked. Do not choose this time to introduce a kitten into your home. Avoid contact with cat litter boxes if possible. Wash produce before consuming and wash your hands after working in the garden.

Infants, toddlers and pets:

In addition to the concerns you might have about Toxoplasmosis impacting your pregnancy, there are some parasites of animals that can directly impact young children and adults alike. You may already have a pet in your family. You may be considering adding a pet in the future … after all kids and pets just go together. But even if you choose not to have a puppy or kitten in your home, your baby will almost surely come in contact with dogs and cats. Animals add so much to life. However, there are some precautions you can take to protect your family and particularly your young children from diseases that can pass from animals to humans, including some of the easiest-to-prevent parasites. Check the list at right for 10 quick steps you can take now.

Learn more:

Start by visiting with your physician. Your obstetrician and pediatrician can help reassure you with some common sense advice on hygiene. If you have pets, take them to your veterinarian regularly and be sure to use parasite control products available from your veterinarian. These products are convenient, safe, effective and affordable. They will keep your pet free of parasites and help protect your family from the risks of human exposure.

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Your concerns about the health of your family extend well beyond the birth of your baby. So do ours.

For many people, pets are an important part of the family circle. Naturally, you want to protect your family, and your baby in particular, from needless exposure to internal parasites such as worms and external parasites such as fleas and ticks. Some pets can harbor zoonotic parasites that can potentially be transmitted from your pets to your family.

Making sure your pet is on a year-round parasite control program is good health care for your pet and your family. Also, be sure your pet receives regular checkups from your veterinarian and is treated for any external and internal parasites that might be present. Soon your infant will be an exploring toddler. Be certain that pet feces are picked up outdoors at least daily and that any play areas and sandboxes are covered to prevent animals from soiling them. Parasites carried by wildlife can be particularly concerning, so do not feed wildlife and do not allow children to play in areas frequented by wildlife.

Toxocara (a type of roundworm) is a zoonotic parasite that can be acquired from soil contaminated with the feces of cats and dogs. It is of little concern during pregnancy but does pose a potential risk to infants and small children. Roundworm eggs are extremely hardy and remain in the environment (e.g., dirt, sandboxes) for a long time. Young children are particularly vulnerable to exposure and infection because they are more likely to put dirt, contaminated food or other objects into their mouths.

Pets greatly enhance our lives. However, precautions for preventing the spread of zoonotic diseases are necessary, particularly when small children are involved. Do not allow children to put foreign objects from the ground in their mouth, and always wash children’s hands and your own after playing with pets.

Though the risk of these diseases affecting your baby is low, any danger can be further minimized with a few simple measures.

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See our 10 tips for protecting your family and and your pet.

Two of the most common parasitic diseases in the U.S. can be transmitted by our pets.

Toxocariasis is a parasitic worm infection that results from the accidental ingestion of parasite eggs passed in the feces of infected dogs and cats. A study from Connecticut published in 2005 found that more than one-fourth of soil samples from playgrounds are contaminated with Toxocara eggs, while another study published in 2001 determined that 10 percent or more of inner-city children are infected with this parasite. Children are particularly vulnerable to Toxocara parasites, developing fever and damage to their lungs and liver, as well as visual loss. There is even evidence to suggest that Toxocara parasites may be an important environmental cause of asthma and seizures.

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic protozoan infection that results from either eating uncooked meat or ingesting the parasite cysts excreted by household cats that are in the shedding phase of infection. When this infection occurs during pregnancy it can be passed on to the fetus and cause severe congenital abnormalities including blindness and mental retardation. Up to 4,000 cases of congenital toxoplasmosis occur annually in the United States. Unfortunately, many cases are not detected in time. Currently, only the states of Massachusetts and New Hampshire conduct newborn screening for toxoplasmosis.

Toxocariasis and toxoplasmosis are both treatable and preventable diseases. Unfortunately, parents and even many health care providers in the U.S. are not aware of the extent of these diseases and the simple steps they can take to prevent transmission from pets to their children. The Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) has been established in order to highlight the awareness of these so-called zoonotic parasitic diseases. The Council advocates the importance of reducing the risk of parasitic infection to your family by eliminating parasites from pets through simple treatments from your veterinarian; restricting access of your children to contaminated areas, such as sandboxes, pet “walk areas” and other high-traffic areas; and practicing good personal hygiene. The CAPC (www.petsandparasites. org) also supports stepped-up measures to conduct newborn toxoplasmosis screening in all 50 states.

Most of our pets are infected at some point in their lifetimes with parasites, and there is a real risk that they could be transmitted to children and pregnant women. It is important that parents, veterinarians and health care professionals have awareness of this fact of nature and make the effort to protect our families accordingly.

By Peter Hotez
President, Sabin Vaccine Institute
Walter G. Ross Prefessor, George Washington University

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The CAPC 2012 Fall Forecast, delivered by Dr. Susan Little, parasitologist, Oklahoma State University, and Dr. Chris Carpenter, executive director, CAPC, was issued via live satellite uplink on October 4, airing on hundreds of stations across the country and reaching more than 10 million viewers. The Forecast was featured on The Weather Channel and continues to be featured as an NBC syndicated news story throughout the network. As the leading resource on parasitology for the veterinary profession, the CAPC plans to continue to issue parasite forecasts through their unique partnership with predictive modeling experts at Clemson University.

Dr. Susan Little, a board member of the Companion Animal Parasite Council, presented on the important role veterinarians play in preventing zoonotic disease in people through implementation of effective parasite control programs for pets.

See media coverage.