Giardia:  Beaver Fever

Affected Animals:  Dogs and cats, many other animals.

Information and Overview:   Found worldwide, Giardia is caused by a protozoan parasite affecting the intestines of both humans and most types of domesticated animals. While dogs have a high rate of Giardia infection, few will develop symptoms. Giardia usually causes clinical signs only in dogs that have weakened immune systems, in dogs that have been exposed to an abnormally large number of the parasites, and in young puppies. Giardia is transmitted by cysts containing Giardia trophozoites, which are singled-celled organisms shaped like teardrops. Infected dogs pass these parasites into the environment via their feces. Dogs that ingest infected fecal material may contract the disease, the primary symptom of which is diarrhea. Most dogs treated for Giardia will recover quickly. With proper preventive measures, few dogs will have a recurrence. A recently introduced vaccine is available that may aid in the prevention of Giardia infection.

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