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Roundworms are parasites found in cats, dogs, and foxes that release millions of microscopic eggs every time their host animal poos.

From there, the eggs can end up in the soil, where people may sit and have picnics or play with their children.

If humans touch it, then their mouths or food without washing their hands, they can catch the parasite.

In animals, roundworm infections are typically harmless and often show no symptoms.

Humans can also pick it up without effect.

But in rare cases, it can cause fever, skin rashes, pneumonia and even sight loss.

For the study, published in PLOS, scientists from Trinity College Dublin collected samples from 12 parks in Dublin and tested them for roundworm eggs, also known as Toxocara.

They focused on areas like entrances, playgrounds, sports fields, and seating areas to see where contamination was highest.

Nine of the parks tested positive for roundworm eggs, and nearly all of them were viable, with the potential to cause infection.

While the number of eggs was lower than studies from 30 years ago, when the issue of stray dogs was more prevalent, contamination remains a concern.

The highest number of eggs was found at park entrances, likely because many dogs tend to poo as soon as they reach the gates.

The second most contaminated locations were playgrounds, even though most were fenced off to keep dogs out.

Tests confirmed that dogs, rather than cats or foxes, were the primary culprits in these fenced-off playgrounds.

The study’s lead author said that it was common to witness dog owners with puppies in these areas, suggesting that puppies, in particular, were likely responsible for the contamination.

MORE BINS

They are now calling for stricter anti-dog fouling measures, including better signage and dedicated bins for waste, to help reduce roundworm contamination.

“By providing better facilities and enforcing the rules, we could cut down the number of roundworm eggs in these areas,” they said.

The study looked at initiatives in other countries and found that allowing dog owners to use any bin, instead of waiting to find a dedicated dog poo bin, reduced incidences of fouling.

“Many dog-fouling reduction interventions are not assessed for their effectiveness after implementation, so it’s imperative that such an assessment is built into any plan in the future,” they wrote.

“Of the assessments that have been completed, we know posters made by schoolchildren can be useful.

“Involving the local communities most impacted by dog faeces in their recreational areas could be an opportunity worth exploring.”

The NHS states that roundworms cannot be contracted from fresh animal faeces because the eggs need time to develop before they become infectious.

“So, don’t let that discourage you from cleaning up after your dog,” the health body advises.

“Most roundworm infections don’t show symptoms unless the parasites reach sensitive areas like the eyes or lungs,” they add.