Test Your Knowledge about Zoonotic Diseases True or False--A zoonotic disease is a disease that can be passed from animals to people? One may think after reading the title of this article that the article must have something to do with zoo animals. That would seem like a logical answer; however, the answer to the above question is true. There are many zoonotic diseases known throughout the world. These diseases are caused by bacteria, viruses and parasites. Veterinarians are unique in that they are trained to know about zoonotic diseases and how they affect animals as well as how these diseases are transmitted to humans. It therefore becomes our duty to teach our clients how to avoid becoming infected by zoonotic diseases. True or False-Intestinal parasites that infect dogs such as roundworms are considered a zoonotic disease? True. Most all puppies are born with ascarids (roundworms). The worms are typically transferred to the pups while they are still in the uterus of the mother dog. Puppies may also acquire roundworms through their mother's milk. These intestinal worms produce microscopic eggs which are passed out of the body with fecal material. Those areas that puppies spend most of their time become quickly contaminated with roundworm eggs. Humans (particularly children) come into contact with these eggs during their daily routines. Pets and children often share their play areas in backyards, on playgrounds and in parks. The ascarids eggs are sticky when passed from an animal. This allows them to cling to objects in the environment such as toys. Also, children often play in sandboxes or in other areas on the ground that are more likely to be contaminated with the roundworms eggs. Ascarids infect humans when the eggs are ingested or taken in through the mouth. Children, especially toddlers, are at risk of infection because they frequently place their unwashed fingers, hands or other objects in their mouths during play. Roundworms behave differently in the human body versus that of the dog. The eggs hatch in the intestine of the child or adult. The worms begin to travel throughout the body. This migration may make a person very ill. Signs of illness from roundworm infection in humans are quite varied. The symptoms vary according to the organs damaged by the migrating worms. One common organ affected is the eyes. Blindness has been known to occur in humans as a result of roundworm infection. True or False-Deworming puppies one time will eliminate roundworms. False. Repeated dewormings are necessary to control ascarids in puppies. It is recommended that puppies be dewormed beginning at 2 weeks of age. This deworming should be repeated at 4, 6, and 8 weeks of age to achieve adequate control. Products such as Happy Jack Puppy Paste and Safe-Guard Canine Dewormer Granules work well for deworming puppies. Written by Julie Ondrak DVM, Independent Consultant | 
