Echinococcosis (hydatodosis) in wild animals of the Kruger National Park

Echinococcosis has been diagnosed in the following wild species in the Kruger National Park : lion, Panthera leo, spotted hyena, Crocuta crocuta, Cape hunting dog, Lycaon pictus, Burchell's zebra, Equus burchelli antiquorum, buffalo, Syncerus caffer, hippopotamus, Hippopotamus amphibius, and impala, Aepyceros melampus. Infestation rates in the herbivores vary from 60% in zebra to less than 1% in impala. Species like elephant, Loxodonta africana, and blue wildebeest, Connochaetes taurinus, do not seem to be susceptible. The successful artificial transmission of Echinococus granulosus felidis from Burchell's zebra to the lion is reported for the first time.