Dog Feces: A Public Health and Environmental Problem

While dogs are capable of transmitting salmonellosis, visceral larval migrans, leptospirosis, brucellosis, and other diseases to people, epidemiological evidence and vital statistics do not indicate a serious public health threat caused by defecation by dogs on streets and property. Dog feces attract flies, can be a food source for rats, and are most certainly a nuisance, especially in densely populated areas.