Latest news with #T.gondii
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Kokua Line: What will city do about mongooses and feral cats at Magic Island?
Question : Lately on my weekly walks at Magic Island, I've noticed many mongooses feeding on cat food left by well-meaning people. The rock jetty along the perimeter of Magic Island houses both mongooses and cats. How will C &C monitor or control this population, which seems to be increasing ? Answer : 'Our park staff are increasing their awareness of these feeding trays and will be removing them appropriately. Ala Moana Regional Park is not an appropriate place to feed animals. Particularly feral cats which have a known parasite in their fecal matter (that causes ) toxoplasmosis, which is detrimental to native marine life and some people, ' Nathan Serota, a spokesperson for Honolulu's Department of Parks and Recreation, said Wednesday in an email. Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by the single-celled parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which many species, including cats, mongooses, pigs and chickens can carry—complaints about these animals proliferating in Oahu neighborhoods frequently cite health concerns. Cats are considered the definitive hosts because the parasite reproduces in their digestive tracts and spreads through their feces, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains at. Not all cats are infected. In Hawaii, spinner dolphins, monk seals and nene (Hawaiian geese ) have died of toxoplasmosis, presumably having ingested the parasite through contaminated water or prey, according to news reports. T. gondii oocysts shed in the feces of infected cats are not immediately infectious, but once they become so, they are hardy and can wash out to sea in storm runoff and infect marine life. This is one reason marine conservationists oppose the feeding of feral cats near shorelines. Humans also can carry the parasite ; more than 40 million people in the U.S. are infected, although those with healthy immune systems generally show no symptoms and don't spread the disease from person to person, according to the CDC. Pregnant women, their infants and immunocompromised people are more susceptible to severe disease, which might cause blindness or brain damage. Read more about preventing infection on the CDC website, at, which says not to undercook meat or eat raw shellfish ; to wash or cook fresh produce ; to wear gloves when touching soil or sand that may be contaminated with cat feces ; to wash hands with soap and water after touching anything that may be contaminated ; and, if you have a cat, to clean its litter box daily. 'Eliminate cat feces on a daily basis ; T. gondii oocysts require one to five days after being passed in the feces to become infectious, ' says the Companion Animal Parasite Council, a nonprofit organization the CDC refers cat owners to for more information about toxoplasmosis. Q : For the past few days I have heard heavy helicopters. They almost sound like military, although not quite that loud. Definitely not tourist, I don't think. I can't see them from my window. I live near Kamiloiki Elementary School. Do you know what this is ? A : Yes. Hawaiian Electric is using a helicopter to replace utility poles and upgrade related equipment in East Oahu, flying above Kamehame Ridge and Kalama Valley, according to the company's social media feeds. Flight paths avoid populated areas while carrying loads, but the noise can reverberate through nearby neighborhoods. The work is expected to continue through today. Mahalo In April, I passed out in the parking lot fronting Kahala Longs. A man and a woman came to my aid instantly. They both stayed with me until my husband arrived to assist me. God was watching over me and sent these wonderful strangers to my side. I'd like to send a great mahalo to them for caring for me and treating me like their ohana.—Aloha, S.T.------------Write to Kokua Line at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite 2-200, Honolulu, HI 96813 ; call 808-529-4773 ; or email.------------
Time of India
17-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Cat Poop, Parasites, and Lost Vision: The Unseen Epidemic in New Zealand
New Zealand faces a hidden health threat. It is Toxoplasma gondii. Cats carry this parasite. It can cause blindness. Nearly half of New Zealanders may be infected. Research faces funding issues. The parasite can manipulate behavior. People should take precautions. They should wash hands and avoid raw meat. Awareness is crucial. The parasite poses a danger to humans and animals. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The Feline Culprit The Eye-Opening Reality Science, Stymied Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The Quirky Twist What Can You Do? Drop bears, New Zealand 's real sneaky menace is small, fluffy, and perhaps cuddled up on your sofa. As much as Kiwis adore their cats (with 40 per cent of the population owning one or more, Companion Animals NZ states), not many know that their feline friends are infested by Toxoplasma gondii , a small parasite with a flair for gondii grows in cat guts and is shed out in cat feces in the form of eggs (oocysts). These eggs can then hide in soil, water, or even your hands after getting your hands dirty gardening. Up to 43 per cent of New Zealanders may be harboring the parasite- one of the highest proportions in the world. For most people, it's nothing, no worse than a cold. But for around 40,000 Kiwis, the parasite infects the eye, causing inflammation, scarring, and even permanent blindness. That's 10,000 New Zealanders who may have lost their sight- sometimes overnight. Otago University nurse Danielle Wilson learned the hard way. Her eye grew cloudy and hurt one day. Diagnosis: ocular toxoplasmosis. Treatment: a daily regimen of hourly eye drops, antibiotics, and steroids for 18 months, with a kicker: the parasite can lie low and re-activate whenever it wants, so every twinge is cause for eye doctor Dr. Francesc March de Ribot examines young patients- occasionally even medical students- whose dreams are dashed by sudden loss of sight. "When the inflammation goes, it leaves a scar, and the vision is never going to return," he at this extent of the problem, New Zealand's quest for better treatments is constrained by budgetary challenges. Professor Bruce Russell's team at Otago discovered possible new drugs, but their grant application was rejected. The laboratory closed in 2023, and research has headed offshore. "The developed world has forgotten parasites largely," Russell laments, even as T. gondii continues to wreak havoc- not just among humans, but also native animals and the mind-bending aspect: T. gondii has the ability to control animal behavior. The parasite-infected mice become relaxed in the presence of cats, becoming easy prey. Some researchers even half-jokingly say that our nation's cat mania could be the result of the parasite. Who's ultimately calling the shots?- Immunocompromised or pregnant? Avoid raw meat, unpasteurised milk, and wearing gloves when touching cat litter or soil.- Cat owners: Wash litter every day, cover sandpits, and hand wash after gardening.- Everyone: Be aware of your risks-sometimes the greatest dangers are the most so it's a classic Kiwi story: cats, a hidden danger, and a plea for more science. Just remember-next time your mog fixes you with that enigmatic gaze, it may well be hatching something. or it might be the parasite issuing the orders.
