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1 in 15 household cats may carry 'Beaver Fever' which can infect humans
ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos • • health
Key Points:
- A study testing over 150,000 cat samples across the US and Canada found that nearly 1 in 15 cats are infected with Giardia duodenalis, a parasite that can cause diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms in both cats and humans.
- Approximately 20% of infected cats carry strains of Giardia that can be transmitted to humans, posing health risks especially to children and immunocompromised individuals.
- Kittens, male cats, and neutered kittens in shelters are more likely to be infected, with higher infection rates observed in the Midwest and during cooler, moist seasons.
- Experts recommend routine annual testing for Giardia during pet wellness visits, with more frequent screening advised if young children or vulnerable individuals live in the household; good hygiene and cleaning practices are essential to prevent spread.
- Giardia infections in pets and humans are generally treatable with medication, and pet owners should maintain cleanliness of litter boxes and avoid close contact such as face licking to reduce transmission risk.
