Hydatid disease in the Western Isles

Area of Science:

• Veterinary epidemiology
• Parasitology
• Public health

Background:

• Hydatid disease, caused by Echinococcus granulosus, poses a One Health challenge.
• The Hebridean islands have historically reported cases of this parasitic zoonosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the current incidence of hydatid disease in livestock and domestic animals in the Hebrides.
• To assess the prevalence of Echinococcus granulosus infection in sheep and dogs.
• To evaluate the extent of subclinical hydatid disease in the human population using serological markers.

Main Methods:

• Field investigation across the islands of Lewis and Skye.
• Sampling and diagnostic testing of sheep populations.
• Parasitological examination of canine definitive hosts.
• Serological screening of a human cohort for Echinococcus granulosus antibodies.

Main Results:

• A significant infection rate of 20% was identified in the sheep population.
• Echinococcus granulosus was detected in 10% of the sampled dogs.
• Sporadic clinical human cases of hydatid disease are still reported.
• No serological evidence of subclinical infection was found in the human participants.

Conclusions:

• The study confirms the continued endemicity of Echinococcus granulosus in the Hebridean islands' animal reservoirs.
• While clinical human cases persist, the lack of serological evidence suggests limited subclinical transmission to the sampled human population.
• Ongoing surveillance and control measures targeting animal hosts remain crucial for public health.