Dog Poop and Illnesses

Organism

Common Name

Survival

Human Disease

Toxocara canis

Roundworms Toxocariasis

4 years in soil

VLM (visceral larva migrans) leading to hepatomegaly, myocarditis, nephritis, pulmonary inflammation, and blindness, usually in children

Baylisascaris procyonis

Roundworms

Eggs can survive on moist soil for years

Severe neurological form of VLM, especially in young children

Ancylostoma spp.

Hookworm

Several days. No known effective chemical or pesticide.  Prompt removal of dog and cat feces greatly reduces risk of infection.

Spreading lesions and severe pruritis.  In rare instances can cause symptoms like VLM.  Puppies are a significant source of infection

Cryptosporidium parvum

At least 6 months

Self-limiting gastroenterits, protracted in susceptible individuals.  CDC reports 3000,000 annual cases - 90% from waterborne (i.e. rivers, lakes, etc.)

Escherichia Coli

E. Coli, fecal coliform bactiria

Up to 4 months in ruminant feces.

Bloody diarrhea, severe cramps, HUS (leading to kidney failure, and TPC.

Giardia duodenalis

Giardia, Giariasis

Resistant to drying, chlorination, and temperature extremes. Can survive for months in water

Diarrhea, cramps flatulence, nausea, steatorrhea.  Can be protracted and debilitating. CDC estimates 2 million cases annually - 90% waterborne