Canine Pet Owners’Awareness on Zoonotic Soil Transmitted Helminths and Practices Facilitating their Spread in Andhra Pradesh, India

Gnani Charitha V.; Rayulu  V.  C.; P. M. Kondaiah; K. Aswani Kumar; A. Jagadeesh Babu

doi:10.5455/ijlr.20220222014933

Authors

Gnani Charitha V. Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University
Dr. Rayulu V C Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University
Dr. P M Kondiaiah Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University
Dr. K Aswani Kumar Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University
Dr. A Jagadeesh Babu Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5455/ijlr.20220222014933

Keywords:

Questionnaire survey, Factors, Soil-Transmitted Helminths, Zoonotic Potential

Abstract

A questionnaire-based survey was designed to analyze the facts associated with soil-transmitted helminths of zoonotic potential in Andhra Pradesh, India. The survey intends to convene details about a. owner associated factors; b. animal-related factors; c. knowledge/awareness; d. dog management practices. Data was collected over a period of 10 months from January 2019 to October 2019. About 1047 pet owners were surveyed and a total of 366 (34.9%) responses were retrieved. Most pet owners in the study preferred adopting young (1-2 years) male dogs (61.74%) over females; pure breeds (78.4%) over local non-descriptive breeds. Owners lacking sound educational backdrop were poor in maintaining personal hygiene and more than half of the respondents (63.7%) were unaware of parasites being transmitted through soil. Pertaining to the child and pet animal association, 67.7% of individuals owning pet animals were having one or more children below 15 years of age. Data appertaining to dog’s defecating sites and risk zones for children gaining access to soil revealed that the most contaminated sites were school playgrounds (40.9%) followed by backyards and under tree open areas. In the study, preferences of dog owners towards breed, sex, and age (young dogs) along with poor dog management and personal hygiene practices predispose them to a greater risk of zoonoses.

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