'Human Diseases From Dogs'
This booklet published by the CCC has some 8000 words
of text plus 100 references. It gives the latest information
about more than 40 diseases that can be transmitted from dogs
to man.
The introduction contains some worrying facts. For instance,
one expert estimates that there are up to 600 new cases of
toxocariasis annually in the UK. The diseases, divided into
11 groups according to the nature of the causative agent,
are then discussed in more detail.
Dog-related diseases caused by fungi and yeasts are discussed
as a single group. Asthma and allergies are grouped under
the heading Allergens. Arachnids (spiders, mites and ticks)
and Insects (fleas), which are disease vectors, are dealt
with in a group which includes the diseases they carry. Rickettsiae,
which are transmitted by ticks, are assigned a group of their
own.
There is ample evidence to show that humans can acquire diseases,
many of them potentially serious and some life-threatening,
by intimate, casual or inadvertent contact with dogs or their
excrement. Public places, parks and back gardens contaminated
with dog faeces or urine are a health hazard to dog owners
and non-owners alike. Further unbiased research is needed,
particularly in the U.K., to find ways to minimise the impact
of dog-related diseases on the community.
This booklet (ISBN 0-9525275-5-3) is distributed free
to members of the CCC. Non-members can obtain a copy
by writing to:
CCC, PO Box 76, Leicester, LE5
1EJ, UK
A small charge will be made to meet production and distribution
costs.
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