New research shows that for the last 20 years, the cat population has been on the rise. They deposit an estimated 1.2 million metric tons of feces into the environment every year, and a new study is calling it a potential public health problem. The potential problem is the parasites that the feces causes. The main issue: toxoplasmosis.
Toxoplasmosis is linked to a number of bad conditions in otherwise healthy people. These conditions include eye infections, schizophrenia, and rheumatoid arthritis. At the current time scientists are saying that the jury is still out and it’s a little early to tell if it’s of worldly concern.
Toxoplasmosis is known to be something that causes more problems in those with weakened immune systems. Cats pick up the parasite from eating infected animals or birds. “If infected they go through his brief period where in their feces are tons of these oocysts,” said Dr. Arnold Plotnik with Manhattan Cat Specialists.
Right now, as with anything else doctors are saying to wash your veggies, cook your meat through, and always wash your hands after being outside.
