Echinococcus multilocularis is well established in wild canids in southern Ontario. Researchers indicate the tapeworm is migrating, could enter the northern U.S. and is considered a zoonotic public health risk. Adult E. multilocularis infect wild carnivores, including foxes, wolves and coyotes, but may also affect dogs and cats. Rodents such as lemmings, voles, and deer mice serve as the parasite’s intermediate, harboring the larval stage of the tapeworm in their visceral organs, mainly the liver. Carnivores become infected with the adult tapeworm by ingesting infected rodents.
The tapeworm is found only in North America. Note the recommendations for using a One Health surveillance approach in endemic areas.
Source: Veterinary Practice News, January 28, 2020. Link. Dogs, like their wild counterparts become infected with the larval form of E. multilocularis by ingesting eggs found in domestic or wild canid feces either through food/water contamination or coprophagia, resulting in life-threatening alveolar echinococcosis (AE).
Transmission of E. multilocularis should be considered a public health risk.”
INSIGHTS: Wild canids have become common backyard visitors in recent years making transmission a question of when and how soon? The mimicry of liver cancer and the tapeworm’s slow development make E. multilocularis an important consideration for veterinary teams.