22 March 2007

Auckland Zoo seeks local cat owners' cooperation

Auckland Zoo is asking local cat owners for their assistance in helping prevent the spread of toxoplasmosis, a disease caused by a parasite commonly found in domestic and wild cats that can be fatal in other animals.

The zoo has had four healthy wallabies die in the past three weeks, directly as a result of toxoplasmosis, which is spread through the faeces of kittens and cats. The faeces can contain thousands of microscopic eggs which can then disperse over the ground, so even a small amount of faeces can quickly spread the Toxoplasma gondii parasite. Last November, three wallabies at the zoo also died from toxoplasmosis. The zoo's remaining 19 marsupials are all fine, but
being monitored closely.

Auckland Zoo has distributed a flyer asking cat owners in neighbouring streets to ensure their cats have collars, or to collect one for free from the zoo, and to also phone the zoo on 360 3800 with a description of their cat and provide contact details.

The zoo wants to safeguard people's pets, as well as keep its own animals safe. It is also requesting people do not feed wild cats in the area, and spay or neuter pet cats that are not owned for breeding purposes.

"Toxoplasmosis is particularly aggressive and fast acting in marsupials, and in these four wallaby cases, these animals were completely healthy one day, and dead the next," says Auckland Zoo vet, Dr John Potter.

While wallabies are especially vulnerable, any animal is at risk from toxoplasmosis. People are also at risk, particularly pregnant women, who can pass the organism onto their foetus if they become infected during pregnancy.

Dr Potter says despite an eight foot high outer wall, the zoo is impossible to cat-proof. "Most cats probably enter the zoo at night, but occasionally they are seen during the day, and it's quite possible that the faeces of just one cat, either wild or domestic, could have caused these recent deaths."

The zoo is very grateful to local residents who have been very supportive, and have been contacting the zoo. The zoo urges anyone living in the streets surrounding the zoo who has a cat, and hasn't yet been in touch, to phone in to have their cat(s) recorded in the zoo's neighbourhood cat log book.

Every effort will be made to contact cat owners, but if a cat is found in the zoo that is clearly domesticated, but no owner can be located, the zoo will contact the SPCA.

Ends

Additional notes

Because Toxoplasma is a widespread organism, cat owners, keen gardeners and those who prepare meat meals for their families are just as likely as zoo workers to come in contact with it. There are a number of ways to reduce the risks of human infection, either in the zoo or at home:

* Wash hands after handling cat faeces, or after gardening in areas where cats may defecate. Faeces that have been "aged" for 24hours or longer are more dangerous than fresh faeces. Covering children's sandpits to keep cats out is recommended. * Wash hands after handling raw or partly cooked meat and eat only cooked meat. Lamb, venison and pork is more likely to have toxoplasma cysts present than beef. (The cysts are too small to see with the naked eye).

* Pregnant women who have not been previously exposed to toxoplasma (ie. have a negative blood test to toxoplasma) are the most likely to pass the organism on to their foetus if they become infected during pregnancy. (Those with a pre-existing toxoplasma exposure are generally safe from passing on the organism).

Households with a pregnant woman present should avoid getting a new kitten until after the child is born, and pregnant women should avoid handling cat faeces or gardening unless wearing gloves. The same precautions should also be undertaken by those with immuno-incompetent diseases.

* If you think you may have toxoplasmosis ask your doctor for a blood test. It is recommended that all women who become pregnant (or preferably just before becoming pregnant) have a toxoplasma test to see if they have antibodies against the disease that will offer protection during pregnancy.

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