Australian-first study on canine intestinal worms in dog parks prompts an urgent call for dog owners to deworm their dogs

Australia’s first nationwide study[1] investigating the risks, prevalence and distribution of canine intestinal worms in dog parks across Australia – has revealed that almost half (42.6%) of parks sampled were contaminated with canine intestinal worms. 

Dog parks provide an ideal urban space where dogs and their owners can exercise, play and socialise. These parks can, however, increase the risk of exposure to parasites for both dogs and people if dog poo isn’t picked up[2], as most types of canine intestinal worms can also infect and cause disease in humans (known as a zoonotic disease or zoonosis). 

The study, conducted by The University of Melbourne, is the first of its kind in Australia. Overall, the study revealed a high rate of contamination of canine intestinal worms in dog parks across the nation. 

Key findings from the study included:

• Almost half (42.6%) of parks sampled were contaminated with at least one species of canine intestinal worm.
• Contamination of parks was highest in the tropical north, with contamination of 100% of parks tested in Far North Queensland. 
• The rate of contamination was lower in sub-tropical and temperate regions, however remained as high as 43% in Melbourne and 20% in Hobart.

Aligning with World Zoonoses Day tomorrow, the results of the study highlight the importance of education to raise awareness of responsible pet ownership, including monthly deworming, to minimise the animal and public health risks associated with these parasites. 

Rebecca Traub, Professor of Veterinary Parasitology at The University of Melbourne and the primary investigator of the study, says, “Preventative measures, such as regular deworming, and responsible pet ownership, such as the immediate removal of dog poo in parks, should be encouraged to minimise the health risks associated with canine intestinal worms to both dogs and humans.” 

“With tomorrow marking World Zoonoses Day, now is the right time to highlight the risk of disease transmission between pets and people, including the risk posed by canine intestinal worms.”

“Many dog owners are aware of intestinal worms in dogs and the health issues they can cause, including vomiting, diarrhoea and anaemia. Less well known are the effects, potentially very serious, they can have in humans.  With five of the seven worm species identified in this study being zoonotic, the high rate of contamination in parks coupled with a lack of awareness of the risk they pose in humans, may have significant consequences. Fortunately, the same simple measures used to reduce the risk in dogs, that is monthly deworming of dogs and regular removal of dog faeces, are very effective in reducing the risk of human infection with these parasites.  

“The biggest line of defence is monthly deworming using a product that specifically targets hookworms, roundworms and whipworm, such as NexGard Spectra,” Professor Traub says.

To help reduce the risk of zoonotic disease transmission from pets to people, the Australian Companion Animal Zoonoses Advisory Panel has recently developed a set of guidelines. The panel is comprised of seven independent veterinary and human infectious disease experts, including Professor Traub. 

Key recommendations from the Advisory Panel to reduce the risk of disease transmission from pets to people are: 

• Deworm pets monthly 
• Treat pets for external parasites year-round
• Regular veterinary health checks for pets
• Ensure good hygiene practices (e.g. handwashing, disposal of pet poo)
• Avoid feeding raw meat diets to pets

Professor Traub concludes, “Over the last decade, an increasing number of urban parks have become accessible to dogs. If owners do not remain vigilant with regards to disposal of their dogs’ faeces, these areas will continue to be a source of infectious agents, such as canine intestinal worms to other pet dogs and humans.”

-ends-

Please direct all media enquiries to:

Anna MacIntosh, Polkadot Communications anna@polkadotcomms.com.au / 0411 527 756

About NexGard SPECTRA®

NexGard SPECTRA®, manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, is a tasty once-a-month chew suitable for puppies and dogs from eight weeks of age and weighing at least 2 kg. NexGard SPECTRA® provides the most complete protection against fleas, ticks, mites, heartworm and intestinal worms, all in one tasty chew, and is available in Australia at leading veterinary clinics, pet specialty stores and online. See product label for full claim details and directions for use.

Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health 

Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health is working on first-in-class innovation for the prediction, prevention, and treatment of diseases in animals. For veterinarians, pet owners, farmers, and governments in more than 150 countries, we offer a large and innovative portfolio of products and services to improve the health and well-being of companion animals and livestock. As a global leader in the animal health industry and as part of family-owned Boehringer Ingelheim, we take a long-term perspective. The lives of animals and humans are interconnected in deep and complex ways. We know that when animals are healthy, humans are healthier too. By using the synergies between our Animal Health and Human Pharma businesses and by delivering value through innovation, we enhance the health and well-being of both. https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/animal-health 

[1] The study involved the collection of 1,581 environmental faecal samples from 190 urban parks across the country, with collection taking place from December 2020 to March 2021.  The study will be published in the International Journal for Parasitology later this year.

[2] Dogs acquire worms through ingesting microscopic worm eggs or larvae present in the environment or, for some worm species, the larvae can directly penetrate the dogs’ skin. Humans may acquire worms in the same way (for those dog worm species that are zoonotic).