Establishment of a European-type strain of Echinococcus multilocularis in Canadian wildlife

Parasitology. 2013 Aug;140(9):1133-7. doi: 10.1017/S0031182013000607. Epub 2013 May 29.

Abstract

In 2009, a haplotype closely related to European strains of Echinococcus multilocularis was detected in a dog from the Quesnel region of British Columbia, Canada. We now report the establishment of this same haplotype in 7 coyotes (Canis latrans) trapped within 40 km of Quesnel, BC. In addition, 3 coyotes and 1 red fox (Vulpes vulpes) harboured adult cestodes morphologically compatible with that of E. multilocularis (overall prevalence 33% in 33 carnivores). None of 156 potential intermediate hosts, including 131 representatives of two highly suitable rodent species, Peromyscus maniculatus and Microtus pennsylvanicus, trapped from a region 120-210 km south of Quesnel were infected. This report confirms the establishment and local transmission of a European-type strain of E. multilocularis (the causative agent of human alveolar hydatid disease), in wildlife in a forested region of North America where this cestode had not been previously detected, with significance for public and animal health.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Wild
  • British Columbia / epidemiology
  • Coyotes*
  • Dogs
  • Echinococcosis / epidemiology
  • Echinococcosis / transmission
  • Echinococcosis / veterinary*
  • Echinococcus multilocularis / classification
  • Echinococcus multilocularis / isolation & purification*
  • Echinococcus multilocularis / physiology
  • Endemic Diseases / veterinary
  • Forests
  • Foxes*
  • Haplotypes
  • Humans
  • Prevalence
  • Public Health
  • Rodent Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Rodent Diseases / transmission
  • Rodentia