Public health considerations taken directly fromWebMD: Ascarids(roundworm) can cause a disease in humans called visceral larva migrans. This is considered to be a serious public health problem and is one of the top zoonotic diseases. Most cases are caused by the canine ascarid, Toxocara canis, but Toxocara cati also can produce this disease. Some cases are reported each year, usually from areas with a mild climate. Children are most frequently affected, and often have a history of eating dirt. Outdoor sandboxes should be covered when not in use to prevent cats from using them as litter boxes, and gloves should be worn when gardening.