exam 2 discussion #1: Zoonotic Parasites Associated with Predation by Dogs and Cats

what are the three categories of dog and cat populations?

domestic/companion, stray, and feral

what are the types of transmission for infection from dogs/cats into humans?

1. direct exposure to dead or wounded prey (and environmental contaminants)

2. infective stages in feces (fecal-oral)

3. environmental contamination

what are some examples of protozoa passed through cats and dogs?

1. toxoplasma gondii (cats)-> causes toxoplasmosis

2. sarcocytosis nesbetti-> causes acute muscular sarcocytosis

outdoor lifestyle and predatory behavior of dogs and cats sustain the transmission of many zoonotic parasites and often use what kinds of transmission?

trophic and fecal-oral

What behavioral change in rodents infected with Toxocara spp. enhances parasite transmission?

The mice become neurologically uncoordinated, making them more vulnerable to predation.

Why do policy debates about feral cat management complicate control of zoonotic parasites?

Public opposition to euthanasia leads to reliance on less effective programs.

Which factor contributes most to the high prevalence of zoonotic gastrointestinal parasites in stray and feral dog and cat populations?

Absence of veterinary care and reliance on prey as food sources.