Stray street dogs are spreading the danger of 'white cancer'.

The disease "hydatid cyst," which is transmitted from dogs to humans, settles in vital organs, primarily the liver and lungs, causing serious health problems. Uncontrolled breeding and the lack of health screenings for dogs exacerbate the danger. Veterinary Physician Prof. Dr. Nilüfer Sabuncuoğlu stated that dog feces pose serious health risks in a wide area, from children's play areas to living spaces. Expressing that this disease is more prevalent in Turkey than the world average, Sabuncuoğlu noted that the dog feces, which are the source of the parasite, can remain alive in the soil for over a year and can be transmitted through vegetables, fruits, or contaminated water.

INCREASE IN RABIES CASES

Another significant risk posed by stray dogs is rabies cases. Reminding that 461,000 people received rabies treatment in 2023, Prof. Dr. Sabuncuoğlu stated that this number would increase if the reproduction of street animals is not controlled. Prof. Dr. Sabuncuoğlu said that the solution to this problem is a "zero stray dog" policy. He noted that stray street dogs equal rabies disease, and this issue has turned into a political matter, stating, "Every day, 2,000 tons of dog feces that are not collected spread into the environment, and this situation poses a significant threat to both health and the environment."

"THIS ISSUE HAS LONG BEEN SOLVED IN CIVILIZED COUNTRIES"

Stating that there are approximately 2,800 animal lover associations operating in Turkey, Sabuncuoğlu claimed that some of these associations are funded by foreign organizations, leading to an uncontrolled cycle of profit. Emphasizing that street dogs in Turkey need to be controlled, Sabuncuoğlu said, "This issue has long been solved in civilized countries. Effective steps must be taken without delay for the health of our children and society."

WHAT IS WHITE CANCER?

Hydatid cyst (white cancer) is a disease known in society as dog tapeworm cyst. In our country, this disease is more prevalent than the world average, with an approximate prevalence of one in ten thousand people. The mentioned parasite lives in the intestines of dogs. The eggs expelled through defecation can survive for about a year. These parasites settle in the intestines through poorly washed vegetables and fruits or contaminated drinking water. From there, they spread to the liver, lungs, and other organs, continuing their lives in cyst form. Cysts that settle in the lungs begin to show various symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain due to pressure on structures like bronchi, pleura, heart, and major vessels as they grow.