Prevalence of American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease) among dogs in Oklahoma

Abstract

Our findings suggest that T. cruzi is enzootic in eastern Oklahoma. Measures that would reduce the risk of dogs acquiring T. cruzi infection are unlikely to be acceptable to their owners, and no effective drugs are available for treatment. The presence of T. cruzi-infected dogs poses a threat of transmission to persons at risk of exposure to contaminated blood Veterinarians who practice in the southern United States should be cognizant of this blood borne zoonosis and educate all personnel about appropriate precautions.