Surveillance of Zoonotic Parasites in Animals Involved in Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAIs)

Giulia Simonato, Patrizia Danesi, Antonio Frangipane di Regalbono, Giorgia Dotto, Cinzia Tessarin, Mario Pietrobelli and Daniela Pasotto
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Giulia Simonato: Department of Animal Medicine Production and Health, University of Padova, viale dell’Università 16, Legnaro, 35020 Padova, Italy
Patrizia Danesi: Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, viale dell’Università 10, Legnaro, 35020 Padova, Italy
Antonio Frangipane di Regalbono: Department of Animal Medicine Production and Health, University of Padova, viale dell’Università 16, Legnaro, 35020 Padova, Italy
Giorgia Dotto: Department of Animal Medicine Production and Health, University of Padova, viale dell’Università 16, Legnaro, 35020 Padova, Italy
Cinzia Tessarin: Department of Animal Medicine Production and Health, University of Padova, viale dell’Università 16, Legnaro, 35020 Padova, Italy
Mario Pietrobelli: Department of Animal Medicine Production and Health, University of Padova, viale dell’Università 16, Legnaro, 35020 Padova, Italy
Daniela Pasotto: Department of Animal Medicine Production and Health, University of Padova, viale dell’Università 16, Legnaro, 35020 Padova, Italy

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 21, 1-11

Abstract: Animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) are based on the establishment of a therapeutic relationship between animals and beneficiaries that is certain to provide positive effects, while currently, it reads as if AAIs aim at exposing stakeholders to potential risk of infection. The surveillance of zoonotic pathogens is necessary for guaranteeing common health. This study investigated the presence of potentially zoonotic parasites, including dermatophytes, in animals involved in AAIs. Between 2015 and 2017, 190 animals (equids, dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, rodents, and goats) were investigated. Anamnestic and management data were recorded. Individual faecal samples were analysed using a copromicroscopic procedure. Fur and skin were examined for ectoparasites during clinical examinations, and samples for mycological investigation were collected by brushing. Parasites were described in 60 (31.6%) investigated animals. Thirteen out of the 60 (21.7%) animals harboured potentially zoonotic parasites, mainly recovered in dogs (Ancylostomatidae, Eucoleus aerophilus , Toxocara canis , and Giardia duodenalis ) and a cat ( G. duodenalis ). Nannizzia gypsea and Paraphyton mirabile , potential agents of cutaneous mycosis, were isolated in a dog and a horse, respectively. No ectoparasites were found. AAIs might represent a source of infections either directly or via environmental contamination. Thus, active surveillance is necessary and animal screenings should be planned and scheduled according to the risk of exposure.

Keywords: animal-assisted interventions; pet therapy; parasites; dermatophytes; zoonoses; pet; settings; public health; Italy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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