Kissing bugs can spread potentially fatal Chagas disease when dogs eat them

Reported by Phys.org · October 21 at 4:20 PM · Summary by Pawdeck

Kissing bugs, which can carry the parasite behind Chagas disease, are found in the southern United States and Latin America and can bite pets outdoors or inside homes. Texas A&M veterinarian Sarah Hamer says that for two common Texas species, over half of adult insects are infected, and that dogs can become infected by eating them.

Background

Chagas disease is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, which is spread mainly through the feces of infected kissing bugs that enter a bite wound, the eyes or the mouth. Infected dogs can develop serious heart disease, and in many cases the illness can appear months after infection. Routine screening for dogs is not widespread, so infections often go unnoticed.

Why it matters

Dogs that spend time outdoors, sleep in kennels or live where kissing bugs occur may be exposed to a parasite that can cause fatal heart disease.

What you can do

Ask your veterinarian whether Chagas testing makes sense for your dog, especially if it lives in a southern state or spends time in kennels, and watch for unexplained heart or other symptoms over time.

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Written by Pawdeck from the report by Phys.org. Background is general information, not advice about your pet; if you are worried, call your vet.