Public health risk of Giardia and Cryptosporidium infection from urban wildlife

Introduction/Objective The dedication of large areas in Anchorage for urban park environments encouraged increased interaction between migrating Canadian geese, approximately 1500 moose and humans. Urban wildlife inhabiting public establishments such as parking lots, creeks, playgrounds, and suburban backyards results in significant environmental fecal contamination. Previous studies found varying potential for zoonotic transmission of parasites through direct fecal contact or water contamination. With a significant number of vulnerable unsheltered individuals in Anchorage using public green belts, there is risk of asymptomatic, under diagnosed, parasitic infection due to exposure to fecal contamination. Methods/Case Report To assess environmental risk of parasitic zoonosis from urban wildlife, we surveyed fourteen high impact exposure areas including waterways and green spaces throughout Anchorage with ground collection of 106 fecal samples from moose (n=76) and geese (n=30). Using standard rapid antigen immunoassay detection method, we identified preserved samples for the presence of Cryptosporidium or Giardia. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) Overall evaluation of fecal samples found 23.6% positive for parasitic colonization in 87% of collection sites. Giardia was identified in 10.4% and Cryptosporidium in 13.2%. Comparative evaluation of each species found geese with a higher percentage of Cryptosporidium isolated (30%) when compared to moose (6%). Giardia was predominately found in moose (13%) with very few geese colonized. Conclusion Considering the high population of outdoor enthusiasts and a significant number of unsheltered individuals in Anchorage, discovering nearly a quarter of urban moose and geese colonized with Giardia and/or Cryptosporidium identifies a significant public health risk. Often using creeks and lagoons as their water source Anchorage’s vulnerable population includes a large number of immunocompromised HIV positive individuals in which parasitic infection, especially Cryptosporidium, can cause overall poor health and reduced quality of life. Therefore, active surveillance of parasitic colonization in urban wildlife is essential and continued evaluation necessary to determine public health risk.