The seasonality of canine births and human campylobacteriosis: a hypothesis.
The seasonality of canine births was investigated using records from the Kennel Club and the breeding centre for the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association. In these populations a distinct seasonal pattern was found with a greater number of puppies being born in the summer months than the winter. The hypothesis that the greater number of puppies acquired as pets during the summer months may contribute to the seasonal rise in human campylobacter cases, seen at this time, is discussed.
Evans
S J
SJ
Epidemiology Department, Central Veterinary Laboratory, Addlestone, Surrey.
D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn / Q000382:microbiology*; D002169:Campylobacter Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000635:transmission; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000635:transmission*; D004285:Dogs; D004739:England / Q000453:epidemiology; D004751:Enteritis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D012621:Seasons; D015047:Zoonoses