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ROUNDWORM

Roundworms are very common parasites of dogs and cats.

Approx. 75% of pups and kittens have roundworms in their intestines.

Transmission to humans

Adult roundworms live in the intestines of dogs and cats who have eaten small infected prey e.g. mice, or swallowed roundworm eggs in the soil or on their coat.

Adult worms produce microscopic eggs which pass out in the faeces. These eggs usually lie in the soil or can be ingested by small hosts e.g. mice.

Children are especially at risk if they eat soil and/or they don't follow the basic handling suggestions below.

Ingested eggs hatch into immature larvae which migrate through the human body causing a general none specific illness (visceral larval migrans). If the larvae find their way to the eye, they can cause permanent damage to the retina (like the film in the camera) and vision problems.

Roundworms in dogs	Roundworms Life Cycle in Dogs
Roundworms in Cats	Roundworm Life Cycle in Cats

Prevention

• Pups and kittens need to be wormed every 2 weeks until 12 weeks old, then once every month until 6 months old.
• Pets over 6 months of age should receive an intestinal all wormer at least once every 3 months.
  
• Basic handling practices should be adopted:
  - Discourage pets form licking faces.
  - Make sure people wash their hands, and do not place their fingers in their mouth, after handling pets.