How can intestinal parasites pass to humans?
Intestinal parasites do not pass from pets to people by petting or other direct contact; people must come in contact with eggs or larvae of these parasites in order to be infected. The most common way for a human to become infected is to accidentally eat or be in direct contact with contaminated dirt. For example: playing in an area that an infected animal has defecated in and then eating without washing your hands or walking barefoot in an area that has become contaminated. There are also ways of being in direct contact with these parasites, such as cleaning up the feces of an animal that is carrying these intestinal parasites. How can I protect myself and my family from becoming infected? The best way to prevent your pet from becoming infected is to regularly see your veterinarian. When puppies and kittens are born they are often infected with intestinal parasites (the mother passes them to her babies before they are born). When you take your new pet to the veterinarian a fecal exam
