Almost 14% of the U.S. population is infected with Toxocara, a parasite (roundworms) of dogs and cats that can be passed from animals to humans. Although most persons infected with Toxocara don’t have symptoms, the parasite is capable of causing blindness and other systemic illness. Children are more likely to be infected because they play in and sometimes eat contaminated soil. Toxocara is easy to prevent by: testing your pet’s stool at least once a year for parasites, give your pets a monthly dewormer (essential for households with children) such as Sentinel, clean up after your pet and dispose of stool promptly, keep pet’s play area clean, wash hands after playing with your pet, keep children from playing in areas where animals have soiled, cover sandboxes to keep animals out and don’t let your children eat dirt. If you want more information about parasite prevention please contact our office. (from handout provided by the Center for Disease Control)