UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 
j| BULLETIN No. 260 
Contribution from the Bureau of Animal Industry 
A. D. MELVIN, Chief 
JUV^KJt. 
Washington, D. C. 
November 23, 1915 
THE DOG AS A CARRIER OF PARASITES AND 
■ 
Diseases and parasites carried by the 
dog J__. 
Rabies — . 
Hydatid 
Gid 
Cysticercus (measles) in sheep 
and other animals 
DISEASE. 
By Maueice C. Hall, Ph. D., 
Assistant Zoologist, Zoological Division. 
CONTENTS. 
Page. 
3 
5 
9 
11 
Diseases and parasites carried by the 
dog — Continued. 
Tapeworms, roundworms, etc 
Fleas and ticks 
Miscellaneous parasites 
Conclusion 
Page. 
15 
10 
22 
24 
In the evolution of civilization the dog was one of the most useful 
animals ever domesticated by man. In addition to his usefulness, 
other admirable qualities have endowed him with a certain senti- 
mental esteem as a pet. The part the dog plays as a carrier of dis- 
ease, however, has only recently been recognized, and his status has 
not yet been changed to satisfy modern hygienic precautions or even 
to meet altered conditions of life in cities. 
Whether in the city or in the country, the dog is commonly allowed 
a degree of freedom which is approached only by that of the less 
social and consequently less dangerous cat. Liberties which we do 
not allow our horses, cattle, children, or selves are extended by many 
persons to their dogs. They are permitted to run unquestioned over 
lawns or farms, to plant bones in flower beds, to litter up porches and 
walks with trash and filth, to lick the faces of children, to wipe their 
muddy paws on strangers' clothing, to go unmuzzled when rabies 
with its terrible agony and attendant death is abroad, and to roam 
afield at nights and run sheep to death. 
Note. — This bulletin points out the increasing damage done by the stray and uncared- 
for dog as a carrier of parasites and disease germs harmful to both man and live stock, 
and is especially intended for the use of physicians, veterinarians, and health officers. 
94288° — Bull. 260 — 15 1 
