Echinococcus multilocularis and Echinococcus canadensis in wolves from western Canada.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Parasitology
• Wildlife Epidemiology
• Molecular Ecology

Background:

• Echinococcus species are globally significant parasites affecting wildlife, domestic animals, and humans.
• Limited data exists on the prevalence, intensity, and genetic diversity of Echinococcus tapeworms in Canadian wildlife.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence, intensity, and genetic diversity of Echinococcus tapeworms in wolves across different regions of Canada.
• To identify Echinococcus species and genotypes present in Canadian wolf populations.

Main Methods:

• Intestinal dissection of 93 wolves from Northwest Territories, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan.
• Microscopic identification of Echinococcus tapeworms to the genus level.
• Genetic characterization of tapeworms from 30 infected wolves using molecular techniques.

Main Results:

• Echinococcus tapeworms were found in 42% of surveyed wolves.
• Both Echinococcus canadensis and Echinococcus multilocularis were identified in all sampling locations.
• Mixed infections of E. canadensis/E. multilocularis and specific genotypes (G8/G10) of E. canadensis were detected.

Conclusions:

• Wolves in western Canada serve as a significant definitive host for both Echinococcus canadensis and Echinococcus multilocularis.
• This study reports the first natural infection of North American wolves with Echinococcus multilocularis.
• Findings highlight the distribution and genetic diversity of zoonotic Echinococcus species in western North America, with implications for public health and wildlife management.