Abstract

Toxocariasis is an emerging zoonotic threat linked to environmental contamination and poor animal hygiene. Despite its relevance, integrated studies addressing human exposure and environmental contamination remain limited, especially in underexplored regions. This study provides baseline data on the emergence of toxocariasis in Abadeh City, Iran, using One Health approach. This cross-sectional study employed a One Health approach to evaluate Toxocara spp.: seroprevalence among 289 residents of Abadeh City, alongside soil contamination assessments in seven surrounding areas. Serological testing for anti-Toxocara IgG antibodies was conducted using ELISA, while soil samples were examined microscopically for Toxocara eggs using Sheather’s sugar flotation method. While human seroprevalence was low at 1.73%, overall soil contamination reached 17.10%, with higher occurrence rates in residential alleys and peri-urban settings. Animal care significantly increased seropositivity risk (OR = 13.4769; 95% CI = 1.4803, 122.6952; p = 0.0210), highlighting zoonotic pathways. Environmental contamination pattern suggests ongoing risk despite low infection rates. Using a One Health framework, feedback loops between human behaviors and environmental contamination reinforce the need for targeted control measures. This study reveals an environmental reservoir of Toxocara spp. that could drive future human infections in Abadeh City. Integrating surveillance across human, animal, and environmental interfaces is essential to mitigate future zoonotic risks.