Echinococcus Species Infections among Wild Canids in Pennsylvania, USA

Authors

Kayla Garrett, University of GeorgiaFollow
Justin Brown, Pennsylvania State University
Ryan K. A. Grunert, University of Georgia
Jonathan Hunte, University of Georgia
Mark G. Ruder, University of GeorgiaFollow
Kyle Van Why, United States Animal Plant Health Inspection Service
Michael J. Yabsley, University of GeorgiaFollow
Christopher A. Cleveland, University of GeorgiaFollow

Document Type

Article

Date of this Version

2023

Citation

Journal of Wildlife Diseases (2023) 59(2): 332-336

doi: 10.7589/JWD-D-22-00042

Comments

United States government work

Abstract

Echinococcus species are zoonotic tapeworms that can impact the health of wildlife, domestic animals, livestock, and humans. Two species of interest in North America are Echinococcus multilocularis and Echinococcus canadensis (Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato). The primary wildlife definitive hosts for E. multilocularis and E. canadensis are similar, including red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), coyotes (Canis latrans), and wolves (Canis lupus). These two Echinococcus spp. use different intermediate hosts, including small mammals for E. multilocularis and artiodactylids for E. canadensis. Although historically absent from much of the eastern United States, recent reports in new US states (e.g., Virginia, Vermont, Maine, Missouri) highlight the need for Echinococcus spp. surveillance in this region. During 2019–2020, 308 gastrointestinal tracts were collected from wild canids in Pennsylvania and microscopically screened for adult Echinococcus species. Two coyotes (2/155) were co-infected with both E. multilocularis and E. canadensis as determined by molecular confirmation. No red foxes (n = 137) or gray foxes (n = 16) were positive. These data indicate both Echinococcus species are present in Pennsylvanian coyotes, highlighting the need to better understand the ecological and epidemiological consequences for human and animal health.