Spatial distribution of canine faeces in Buenos Aires suburbs: implications for public health

Abstract

Canine faecal contamination contributes to environmental degradation and increases the exposure of humans -mainly children -to helminth infections. We studied the magnitude and spatial distribution of faecal contamination on the pavements of two neighbourhoods representative of Buenos Aires suburbs. The pavements of a low-income neighbourhood (LIN) and a middle-income neighbourhood (MIN) were selected at random. Field maps including all substrates and objects observed on each pavement were drawn, viewed from above, on millimetre paper at 1:100 scale. Data were then loaded into a geographic information system (GIS) Arc View 3.1 with a digitiser board. The spatial distribution of faeces and its association with substrates or standing elements were analysed at three scales: substrate, pavement and neighbourhood.Permeable substrate cover was higher in LIN (75%) than in MIN (35%). The faeces were not homogeneously distributed on the substrates. In both neighbourhoods, the substrates with >50 per cent grass cover showed a significantly higher proportion of faeces than those with <50 per cent grass cover, bare soil and tile. At pavement scale, the number of faeces on pavements was not related to either the number of trees, posts and domiciled dogs in the block, or with the number of faeces and percentage cover of each substrate. At patch scale, substrate patches with faeces were larger than those without faeces. Patches with faeces did not differ in shape between neighbourhoods and were more regularly shaped than patches without faeces.The spatial distribution of faeces relative to each other was almost random, even when analysed in relation to trees or standing objects. Strategies for the sustainable control of this problem are suggested.

Energy and temperature performance analysis of geothermal (ground source) heat pumps integrated with permeable pavement systems for urban run-off reuse

“…Another issue is the collection and disposal costs of dog faeces paid by local authorities which amounted to £62,000 per annum between 2002(Environmental Campaigns, 2003. Milkovič et al (2009) conducted a spatial distribution experiment on canine faecal contamination in Buenos Aires. The research conclusion stated that it was really difficult to find spatial connection between the amount of faecal contamination and grassed and non -grassed areas; low income and middle income neighbourhoods; number of trees or number of standing objects.…”

Environmental Contamination by Dog Feces in Touristic Areas of Italy: Parasitological Aspects and Zoonotic Hazards

“…Furthermore, public squares, playgrounds, parks, and sandpits may be important sources for pet-borne parasites. 5,6,8,10,13,14 The vast majority of the endoparasites found in cats and dogs have a direct life cycle where adult parasites typically have an enormous reproductive capacity, producing a vast number of eggs or oocysts. Such parasitic load released through feces of the host represents the most important pathway of environmental contamination and a source of new infection.…”

Risk factors associated with dog endoparasites infection spread in East Slovak Lowland

“…It is important to note that while moving the lawns several times per year, the feces with endoparasites developmental stages are scattered around and thus contaminate new larger areas. (Papajová et al, 2008;Milkovic et al, 2009;Traversa et al, 2014;Sprenger et al, 2014;Rubel et al, 2019). Dogs are the most fre-quently infected by protozoa Giardia duodenalis, Cystoisospora spp.…”