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Financial support: This study was funded within the project “La fecalizzazione ambientale degli animali da compagnia e gli insetti vettori come fattori di rischio zoonosi in aree urbane e suburbane” (CRP 26627) by Legge Regionale 7, 2012; Regione Autonoma della Sardegna, Italy.
Authors’ addresses: Claudia Tamponi, Stephane Knoll, Gabriele Tosciri, Francesco Salis, Giorgia Dessì, Antonio Varcasia, and Antonio Scala, Laboratorio di Parassitologia - Ospedale Didattico Veterinario, Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Sassari, Sassari, Italy, E-mails: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], and [email protected]. Maria Grazia Cappai, Nutrition Desk - Ospedale Didattico Veterinario, Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Sassari, Sassari, Italy, E-mail: [email protected].
Abstract.
Public spaces are common sites of fecal contamination which is concerning considering the prevalence rates of gastrointestinal pathogens carried by pets. Multiple pet-bound parasite species capable of infecting humans have previously been reported in fecal samples collected from urban areas around the globe, including Italy. In addition, the presence of gastrointestinal parasites has recently been shown in pets from the island of Sardinia, a well-known touristic destination. For these reasons, this study aims to evaluate the level of fecal contamination of two of the most important cities on Sardinia. Furthermore, the presence of endoparasites in fecal samples collected was also investigated to assess the parasitological risks associated with such contamination. A grid approach using a geographical information system was applied, followed by transect counting and sampling. A total of 956 and 220 dog feces with an average feces count of 4.7 and 2.6 per 100 linear meters were found for Sassari and Alghero, respectively. In Sassari 15.6% (52/333) and in Alghero 6.8% (6/88) of the samples tested positive for parasitic elements. Hookworms, Strongyloides stercoralis, Toxocara sp., and Trichuris vulpis were among the parasites most identified. This study showed significant urban contamination of both Sassari and Alghero with dog feces and the parasites within them, including potentially zoonotic species. The general public as well as tourists visiting the island should be aware of the risks associated with this and appropriate measures taken.