Toxocariasis and Dog Faeces

[MrBig]

We've just moved into a new place where the previous owners had a couple of dogs. I have checked the garden and there is no sign of any doggy deposits, but I don't can't find much info on Toxocariasis. Presumably it can't be transferred into the soil/lawn, so if I can't find any poop its ok to let the kids loose once the weather warms up?

[Soov535]

I'd give the whole garden a good soaking to wash anything away.

[MrBig]

Thanks. Just with water or some diluted disinfectant or similar in?

[Soov535]

MrBig said:

Thanks. Just with water or some diluted disinfectant or similar in?

I'd just soak the whole lot with water a few times including the lawn.

[Issi]

Surely that's what rain is for.

[Hugo a Gogo]

it's too cold for the larva in eggs in the poop now

don't worry about it

[MotorsportTom]

You can't find much info on it?

Have you tried Google? It recently came up in conversation so I did my own research, the chances of it being a problem are slim to none and the chance of any trouble with your kids is probably even less than the chance you'll get hit by lightning twice.

Unless of course I'm mis-remembering what I read a few weeks back...

[MrBig]

Yes I tried google thanks. Couldn't find anything that said how long the eggs/larva live and whether they can transfer and survive in soil/grass.

[MotorsportTom]

Ok I misunderstood however did you actually read the all of the articles? or any of them in full?

[softtop]

I think you are worrying too much. You are also assuming that the previous dogs were never kept up to date with their jabs.

[MrBig]

I'm not really sure where you're going with this, but I read the NHS and Wikipedia articles and a couple of others which I can't remember now, but statements like this from Wikipedia were more worrying:

"Toxocara eggs can remain infectious for years, as they are very resistant to the effects of chemicals, as well as changes in temperature."

[MrBig]

softtop said:

I think you are worrying too much. You are also assuming that the previous dogs were never kept up to date with their jabs.

Well they didn't exactly look after the house! But thanks, I hadn't considered that.

[MotorsportTom]

My point being was the article I read mentioned that it's only female's or recent offspring that can carry the eggs/larvae as they don't mature in others.

So if they didn't have bhes or they did and they were spade then there is really nothing to worry about.

Now if foxes and cats had access to the garden it's a whole world of new possibilities... or of course it could just be you're worrying a little too much.