Veterinarian finds deadly tapeworm threatening both dogs and humans in her backyard

IMAGE DISTRIBUTED FOR ELANCO ANIMAL HEALTH – In this image distributed on Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2024, Boone, a Sheepadoodle, plays with his owners at his home in Independence, Mo. Boone's owner, a veterinarian, recently discovered wild animal feces in their backyard which tested positive for a dangerous tapeworm transmittable from dogs to humans, that can lead to serious illness or death. 94% of dog owners believe that proactive treatment for intestinal worms is a top priority. Pet owners can keep pups safe by discussing protective options against this common and preventable issue for dogs. For more information visit interceptorplus.com. Image taken on Friday, July 19, 2024, in Independence, Mo. (Colin E. Braley/AP Content Services for Elanco Animal Health)

IMAGE DISTRIBUTED FOR ELANCO ANIMAL HEALTH – In this image distributed on Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2024, veterinarian Dr. Elise Kelly enjoys a playful moment with family pet, Boone, in her Independence, Mo. backyard. Dr. Kelly recently discovered wild animal feces there, which tested positive for a dangerous tapeworm that can lead to serious illness or death—and dogs can transmit to humans. 94% of dog owners believe that proactive treatment for intestinal worms is a top priority, which is why Dr. Kelly's discovery underscores the critical need for pet owners to discuss proactive treatment with veterinarians to protect dogs from tapeworm risk. For more information visit interceptorplus.com. Image taken on Friday, July 19, 2024, in Independence, Mo. (Colin E. Braley/AP Content Services for Elanco Animal Health)

IMAGE DISTRIBUTED FOR ELANCO ANIMAL HEALTH – In this image distributed on Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2024, a playful Boone licks children in their Independence, Mo. home. Their mother, a veterinarian, discovered wild animal feces in their backyard, which tested positive for a tapeworm that dogs can transmit to humans. This alarming discovery, coupled with the fact that 40% of pet owners don't know that intestinal worms can be passed to them by contact with infected dog poop, underscores the critical need for pet owners to discuss proactive treatment with veterinarians to protect dogs from tapeworm risk. For more information visit interceptorplus.com. Image taken on Friday, July 19, 2024, in Independence, Mo. (Colin E. Braley/AP Content Services for Elanco Animal Health)

IMAGE DISTRIBUTED FOR ELANCO ANIMAL HEALTH – In this image distributed on Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2024, veterinarian Dr. Elise Kelly strolls with her family's Sheepadoodle, Boone, on her property in Independence, Mo. where she discovered wild animal feces. Test results revealed the presence of a dangerous tapeworm, which alarmed Dr. Kelly because her children play in the backyard. Dr. Kelly's discovery highlights the importance of being aware of risks and taking necessary precautions as 40% of pet owners don't know intestinal worms can be passed to them through infected dog poop. Pet owners should seek proactive treatments from a veterinarian to protect loved ones from tapeworms. Elanco Animal Health. DOF. For more information visit interceptorplus.com. Image taken on Friday, July 19, 2024, in Independence, Mo. (Colin E. Braley/AP Content Services for Elanco Animal Health)