Dog Fouling

Dog Fouling

I just wanted to bring the complete post to the attention of anyone interested

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Here is some information about Dog Fouling and what can be done about it.

How many dogs are there in the UK?
In 2000 to 2001 the population of dogs in the UK has been reported as between 6.5 million and 7.4 million.

How much faeces do dogs produce?
Dogs produce 1000 tonnes of faeces every day. Other estimates calculate that daily faecal and urinary output per dog is 100 â?? 200g and 0.25 â?? 1.25 litres.

I have heard that humans can get a worm infection from dog faeces. Is this true?
Yes, humans can get the roundworm Toxocara. Human infection of this disease is a direct consequence of soil or sand contamination with faeces carrying eggs of the parasite. As the parasite can last up to two years, contaminated soil and sand is often the carrier as the faeces degrade. The parasite can only infect humans if swallowed. Once swallowed the infection can last between 6 and 24 months. Frequently the infection is through hands, but also with the dogs themselves or through inanimate objects such as wheels of toys, soles of shoes etc. Therefore the prevalence of the toxocariasis is dominant in children between the 18 months and the 5 years.

Where are toxocara eggs most likely to be found?
Many infected soil samples are found in the vicinity of childrenâ??s play areas, even though dogs are often banned from these areas. Other samples are found on streets. In the UK, about half of the most serious cases of Toxocariasis, such as blindness, occur in families who have never owned a dog or a cat.

Are all dogs infected with toxocara worms?
It is reasonable to assume that all puppies are infected with Toxocara and produce larger numbers of eggs than an adult dog. However, the prevalence of toxocara diminishes as the dog grows older.

Is it dangerous for me to clear up after my dog. Wonâ??t I get toxocariasis?
Toxocara eggs are not infectious until they embryonate. This is usually at least 2 â?? 3 weeks after they have been deposited by a dog. Therefore freshly deposited faeces are not infectious, and you can safely
clear up after your dog.

Are there many eggs in a single dog mess?
A single dog mess contains approximately 1 million microscopic eggs.

How many people in the UK have been infected with Toxocariasis?
All reports reviewed indicate that human toxocariasis is a frequent and potentially serious infection. There is a debate however, on the exact number of incidences in humans, which varies from 1 â?? 4% of adults. However, the study by Woodruff in 1970, is the most conclusive despite its age. He tested 700 people using a skin test and found 2% of them to be infected.

What are the symptoms of Toxocariasis?
Eye disorders are the most commonly reported complaint associated with toxocariasis. This is by the transportation of larvae via the retinal artery to the eye, potentially causing blindness through the growth of non-malignant tumours or the development of detached retinas. The reporting of eye disorders in relation to toxocariasis may be due to the public and medical profession awareness of the link. As the link to flu-like symptoms are not so obvious, it is very likely that a huge number of toxocariasis cases go unreported and unrecognised by either the public or by doctors. Other symptoms are vague aches, dizziness and nausea, asthma and epileptic fits.

How many people suffer eye damage from Toxocariasis?
In a report by Dr S. Gillespie, (November 1993), he noted approximately 100 cases diagnosed each year, with 50 having serious eye damage. Nearly all were children, who had contracted the disease as toddlers.

From ENCAMS http://www.encams.org/advice/main2.asp?pageid=40

 

wow aren't u clever

 

Actually, I found it interesting I thought it was cats who spread Toxocariasis!!!

 

Sorry, is that difficult to understand?

 

JWK, The original noob question was in general garden discussion !!!!!!!

 

But is where it is posted an important issue--isnt the content evident from the title, Dog Fouling?
As I suggested if you are not interested you wont want to read the piece.

 

I thought that .


We have always had dogs and never had any problems.
Isn't there a law and a big fine for not picking up after your dog.
We don't get any problems with dog mess here.

It's the cats that are the problem.

 

No problem, it could be considered a load of faeces anyway

 

Your lucky our problem is Pheasants, Squirells Cats and other Birds.

 

Toxocara found in cats has only rarely been associated with cases of Toxocara infection in humans. I wonder why since there are almost equal numbers of cats to dogs in the UK .. weird huh? Anyway its not my 2 as they dont go out

 

Perhaps cats are cleaner--I had an Alsation that loved to eat cow pats

 

well my two always use a shovel