Castledown Radio

Its not the most pleasant of subjects is it?

But the Director of Public Health and Public Protection at NHS Wiltshire is bringing to people’s attention the health risks associated with dog fouling. Whilst toxocariasis is rare the symptoms are unpleasant. They vary depending on where in the body the infection occurs and can include cough, stomach pain, headaches and swollen lymph glands and eye disorders.

Toxocara worms produce eggs which are released in the faeces of infected animals and contaminate soil. Because young children often play on the ground, and many young children have a habit of eating soil, they are more likely to come into contact with the eggs.

“Dog fouling is not just unpleasant; it can also be the cause of some serious health problems” says Maggie Rae, Director of Public Health and Public Protection. “Young children are particularly at risk of getting toxocariasis because of their play habits.

Practising good hygiene can help prevent toxocariasis and many other infections, and it is also important that dog owners clean up after their dog.

Some of the steps you can take are listed below:

• Wash your hands well with soap and water after handling pets or coming into contact with soil or sand.

• Teach children to always wash their hands after playing with dogs or cats, after playing outdoors, after gardening and

   before eating.

• Wash food that may have come into contact with soil.

• Don't allow children to play in areas that are covered in dog or cat faeces

12th January, 2012