A Comprehensive Review on Major Zoonotic Parasites From Dogs and Cats

Abstract

Zoonotic diseases are significant causes of morbidity and mortality in humans and animals, including birds. These diseases are transmitted through several routes and are reported in developing and developed nations of the world. The dogs and cats also act as the reservoirs of a large number of parasitic zoonoses, including toxoplasmosis, giardiasis, leishmaniasis, toxocariasis, and cryptosporidiosis. The roles of pet animals (cats and dogs) in transmitting human infections have been recognized worldwide. Since most of these parasites have an oral-fecal transmission cycle, the transmission of these zoonotic agents could occur through indirect contact with animal feces, contaminated water, and food, or direct contact with infected animals. In addition, the soil is an important route for the transmission of human pathogens. In socioeconomically disadvantaged communities, the poor levels of hygiene and overcrowding, together with a lack of veterinary attention and zoonotic awareness, exacerbate the risks of disease transmission. Traditional husbandry and inadequate management practices, the mixing of wild animals with farm animals, and unrestricted movement and living pastoralists with their animals can all contribute to the development of zoonotic diseases. Therefore, veterinarians are thought to be on the ‘front line’ of the prevention of pet animal-associated zoonotic parasitic infections.