Feline lungworm infections are a concern for pet owners, especially regarding the potential for parasites to spread from animals to humans. Understanding the specific type of feline lungworm and its life cycle clarifies potential risks to human health and guides preventative measures.
Understanding Feline Lungworm
Feline lungworm, primarily Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, is a common parasitic roundworm affecting cats globally. Adult worms reside in the small airways and lung tissues of infected cats. Its life cycle is indirect, requiring intermediate hosts for development.
Cats become infected by ingesting slugs or snails, which serve as intermediate hosts carrying the infective larval stage. They can also acquire the infection by eating paratenic hosts like rodents, birds, or reptiles that have consumed infected slugs or snails. Larvae then migrate to the cat’s lungs, mature into adult worms, and lay eggs that hatch. These larvae are coughed up, swallowed, and passed in the cat’s feces, continuing the cycle. Symptoms in cats can range from mild coughing and wheezing to severe respiratory distress, though many infected cats may show no visible signs.
Risk of Human Infection
Feline lungworm, Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, is generally not considered a significant zoonotic risk to humans. This parasite is highly host-specific, primarily completing its life cycle within cats.
Humans typically do not become infected with Aelurostrongylus abstrusus because they do not ingest the specific intermediate hosts (snails or slugs) or paratenic hosts. The parasite’s life cycle is adapted to feline biology, making direct transmission from cats to humans extremely rare. Other lungworms, such as Angiostrongylus cantonensis (rat lungworm), can infect humans and cause serious conditions. However, this distinct parasite is primarily associated with rats and transmitted through ingesting raw or undercooked snails, slugs, or contaminated produce; cats are not primary carriers to humans.
Protecting Your Family and Pets
Preventative measures minimize lungworm infection risk in cats and contribute to overall household hygiene. Regular deworming, as prescribed by a veterinarian, is an important step in controlling parasitic infections. This helps eliminate existing worms before they can complete their life cycle.
Discouraging cats from hunting and consuming intermediate or paratenic hosts like snails, slugs, rodents, or birds significantly reduces their exposure. Limiting outdoor cats’ free-roaming activities also helps. Maintaining good hygiene, such as washing hands after handling pets or cleaning litter boxes, further reduces potential indirect parasite exposure. These actions contribute to a healthier environment for both pets and humans.