Miami ranks No. 6 in roundworm infections in dogs: Study

Miami-Dade ranks No. 6 among communities in the U.S. with the highest instance of roundworm infections in dogs and cats, according to a report.

Why is this a concern? Because roundworms can kill animals. Roundworm infection also poses a potentially significant risk to humans — and can affect children more often, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

People can be infected by exposure to roundworms from handling and accidentally or intentionally ingesting dirt containing roundworm larva, according to the CDC and the Companion Animal Parasite Council, the independent organization of veterinarians and other animalcare professionals who did the CAPC Top 10 Cities Monthly Roundworm Report.

Children are more likely to ingest dirt after playing on the ground and coming into contact with animal waste.

Symptoms and signs of toxocariasis — the infection transmitted from animals to humans via roundworms — can include vision problems, such as eye inflammation, damage to the retina or vision loss. Larvae can also migrate to organs, such as the liver, lungs, muscles, brain and central nervous system.

“The recent outbreak of COVID-19, with its animal origin, has made people acutely aware of the close relationship between animal and human health — and the need to regularly monitor disease at the local level,” Dr. Chris Carpenter, CAPC’s chief executive officer, said in a statement.

Roundworm infections are more prevalent in the fall and winter months. Humans don’t pass the infection to one another, according to the CDC.

Most instances can be treated with antibiotics.

Symptoms of roundworm infection in animals include weight loss, diarrhea, vomiting, dull coat and/or a pot-bellied appearance. Severe infections can kill your pet.

“This demonstrates how vital it is for dogs and cats to be protected against roundworm parasites with broad-spectrum, yearround preventatives, and at a minimum, bi-annual testing,” CAPC board member Craig Prior added.

HOW TO REDUCE THE ROUNDWORM THREAT

● Clean your pet’s indoor living areas like bedding, bowls, balls and toys and your cat’s litter box daily.

● Pick up after your dog. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 40% of dog owners don’t pick up after their dog.