Parasites in Midtown cat poop? | Environment

(WMC-TV) - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers it a “major neglected parasitic infection”, and a new report says it affects 1 in 5 Americans.

Midtowners - the parasites are in your cat's poop!

According to the CDC, toxoplasma gondii has infected 22.5 percent of the U.S. population and it's one of the leading causes of death attributed to food-borne illness.

Cats are apparently the only known host of the parasite, while other animals and even humans can be intermediate hosts.

Until recently, it was believed that most transmission occurred from undercooked meat, but new studies are suggesting far more environmental contamination from cat feces is occurring than was originally understood.

There are some simple steps you can take to avoid becoming infected.

BluePearl Veterinary Partners recommends the following precautions:

•     Clean the litter box at least once every 24 hours.

•     Pregnant women or people who are immune deficient should avoid cleaning the litter box. If they must, they should wear proper protective equipment like gloves and a mask.

•     Wash hands after cleaning the litter box or handling pets.

•     Maintain regular visits with your veterinarian. BluePearl recommends taking your pet to your family veterinarian twice a year for checkups.

•     If you think your cat may be infected with toxoplasmosis, contact your family veterinarian. A blood test can be performed and antibiotics can be given.

Information from:  Blue Pearl Veterinary Partners