The scoop on dog poop
By John Becking
Please pick up your dog's poop and remind your neighbours to pick up their dogs' poop.
As with the feces of other warm blooded animals and birds, dog poop contains E. coli, and may contain parasites and other disease producing bacteria such as salmonella, strep, and giardia. When rain washes down our beaches and walkways and open areas into the lake, these enter our swimming water and are an important factor in increasing pollution.
Dog feces are more than just a nuisance. They can pose a serious health hazard, not only in the lake but on the beach. Heres why: the eggs of a number of common parasites such as roundworms, hookworms and whipworms can linger in the soil for as much as five years. As a result anyone who comes in contact with the sand or soil can be exposed to infectious eggs.
Children run the greatest risk of infection because they play in the sand at beaches and in the soil at parks and playgrounds. Then they put their hands in their mouths or rub their eyes. Even a group of teens or adults playing frisbee on the beach can be at risk. Parasites can make humans extremely sick, especially pregnant women, and can pose a serious risk to unborn children. Even a simple barefoot walk on the beach can put you at risk since hookworm can penetrate the soles of the feet.
Dog feces have long been recognized as a source of larva migran syndromes in children. When the eggs are accidentally ingested they hatch and infestive larva migrate through human liver, lungs and other organs and tissues, where they cause damage and induce allergic responses. Infection may leave children with permanent visual or neurological damage.
Mans Best Friend may have some enemies to pass on to you and your family.
Don't forget to STOOP AND SCOOP!