Toxocara in the UK: A discussion with Dr Ian Wright

The CDC reports--A U.S. study in 1996 showed that 30% of dogs younger than 6 months deposit Toxocara eggs in their feces; other studies have shown that almost all puppies are born already infected with Toxocara canis. Research also suggests that 25% of all cats are infected with Toxocara cati. In humans, it has been found that almost 14% of the U.S. population has been infected with Toxocara. Globally, toxocariasis is found in many countries, and prevalence rates can reach as high as 40% or more in parts of the world. What is toxocariasis and what is the situation in the United Kingdom? Veterinary surgeon and parasitologist, Dr Ian Wright joined me to look at this nematode, the situation is the UK and prevention measures.