Toxoplasma Risk Should Not Be Overplayed Say Vets
12 years ago
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The British Veterinary Association (BVA) is urging calm over ‘alarmist’ headlines linking contact with cats to schizophrenia due to the risks posed by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii.
The report in today’s Independent contains some very important messages regarding the need for good personal hygiene and the need for pregnant women and immuno-compromised groups to be aware of the risks. However, the BVA is concerned that the headlines could cause significant alarm to cat owners.
Most people who become infected are asymptomatic but 10-20% can show transient symptoms which are flu-like. There is a more serious risk to pregnant women and those who are immuno-compromised, but as with all infections common sense and good personal hygiene reduces the risk significantly and there is no reason that families with, or those intending to have, children shouldn’t have pet cats.
As outlined in the article sources of infection include eating undercooked meat and vegetables that have not been washed properly and contact with cats. It is not known which the greater source of infection is but anecdotal evidence suggests that meat is likely to be more important than contact with cats. The BVA echoes advice that meat should be prepared and cooked properly.
Good hygiene with cats includes the following:8124 views
Posted
4th September, 2012 14h00
- Wash hands after handling a cat
- Do not allow children near cat litter trays
- Ensure faeces in cat litter is removed promptly and disposed of where people cannot be contaminated by it
- Pregnant women should avoid cleaning out litter trays and use protective gloves if they cannot avoid it
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