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1 in 15 household cats may carry 'Beaver Fever' which can infect humans
Researchers tested more than 150,000 cat samples and found some infected animals carried Giardia strains that can spread to people.
- A PLoS One study analyzing over 150,000 cat stool samples from the U.S. and Canada found Giardia in 6.3% of specimens, meaning nearly one in 15 household cats carry the parasite.
- Commonly known as "beaver fever," Giardia is a gastrointestinal parasite that lives in the intestines of infected people and animals and spreads through their stool. The nickname originated in the 1970s after outbreaks were linked to contaminated water in beaver-inhabited areas.
- Kittens under one year old tested positive at 10.7%, compared with just 1.3% of senior cats over 10 years old. The Midwest had the highest infection rate at 7.8%, and winter peaked at 8.1%, suggesting environmental and seasonal factors influence transmission.
- Anne Kimmerlein, Global Veterinary Epidemiologist at Mars Veterinary Health, said understanding prevalence supports "earlier detection, appropriate treatment." She emphasized that recognizing risks helps pet owners take practical steps to protect their households from potential exposure.
- "Giardia, while prevalent and occasionally problematic, is typically very treatable," emergency veterinarian Stevie Aitken said. She recommends thorough cleaning of litter boxes and keeping infected pets separated from young children or immunocompromised individuals until re-testing confirms clearance.
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According to one study, among infected cats, about one in five carried forms of the parasite that could infect humans.
·Los Angeles, United States
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1 in 15 house cats may carry 'beaver fever' parasite that can infect humans
About 1 in 15 house cats may be carrying a common intestinal parasite that can also infect humans, according to a new study examining more than 157,000 cats across North America. Researchers found that 6.3% of cats tested positive for Giardia duodenalis, a microscopic parasite that causes an intestinal illness commonly known as "beaver fever." [...]
·Los Angeles, United States
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Total News Sources11
Leaning Left2Leaning Right1Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution57% Center
Bias Distribution
- 57% of the sources are Center
57% Center
L 29%
C 57%
14%
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