Dog Tapeworm : Social Ignorance and Serious Health Issues

Abstract

Since last 2-3 decades the trend of keeping dogs as pet in Indian homes is noticed as on increase. One of the reasons is the increasing in the number of nuclear family configuration. People find dogs as good domestic companion for the purpose of safety as well as entertainment. It is noticed that around 95% of these pet lovers are unaware about hazards associated with these pets. They do not follow the standard norms of pet raising and health considerations and remain ignorant about the safety of their family as well as the society. Most common and fatal disease associated with dogs are bladder worm disease i.e. Hydatidosis . This life threatening disease is caused by a tapeworm parasite Echinococus granulosus, which is a natural parasite of dogs and transmit due to unhygienic habits and handling. About 2-3 million people are suffering due to dog tapeworms through out the world , which lead to the monetary loss of $ 750,000,000=00 every year. In India due to lack of health education and awareness and very casual approach in handling such pets lead to increase in the disease incidence rate. Our regulatory norms are not rigid and because of that pet registry rate is very low. Besides we are not following strict compliance of medical guidelines to keep these animals free from such a dangerous infections. Unhygienic handling and unregulated disposal of dogs fecal content contributes for the spread of hydatid disease in innocent children and adults. In a recent discussion with medial experts it was noticed that the frequency of this disease is increasing day by day. Considering above facts it is necessary to frame very effective social and legal regulatory norms to control the un-noticed spread of the infection in society.