The role of companion animals in the emergence of parasitic zoonoses

Pets offer individuals and the community significant benefits, however cogn isance must be taken of the potential for transmission of infectious agents from these animals to humans. The prevalence of many parasites, such as Gi ardia and Cryptosporidium, has increased over the past few decades while ot hers, such as Toxocara and Ancylostoma, have decreased. These changes could be real, associated with the ready availability of efficacious anthelminti c products or could be artificial due to the type: of surveys conducted, th e animals surveyed and the diagnostic tests used. Immunocompromised people, in particular, must be aware of the potential risk of acquiring parasitic infections from their pets. However. with the adoption of good hygiene and a thorough knowledge of the transmission of these parasites, immunocompromi sed people should be able to continue to enjoy the significant benefits of pet ownership. As many owners are not aware of the zoonotic parasites that could be carried by their pets or their mode of transmission, it is conclud ed that veterinarians need to play a greater role in the education of Their clients. (C) 2000 Australian Society For Parasitology Inc. Published by El sevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.