Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Echinococcus parasite found in farm dogs in southeastern Australia
By Jenkins, D J et al.·Published in Australian veterinary journal·2006·Australian Hydatid Control and Epidemiology Program·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Detection of Echinococcus granulosus coproantigens in faeces from naturally infected rural domestic dogs in south eastern Australia.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A study found that many rural dogs in southeastern Australia are infected with Echinococcus granulosus, a parasite that can be harmful to both dogs and humans. Out of 561 dogs tested, about 29% in New South Wales and 17.5% in Victoria had signs of this parasite in their feces. The research indicated that many dog owners were feeding their pets raw meat and not worming them often enough, which increases the risk of infection. This highlights the need for better education on responsible dog care to protect both pets and people from potential health risks.
People also search for: dog parasite infection · Echinococcus granulosus symptoms in dogs · how to worm dogs properly
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the occurrence of Echinococcus granulosus in rural domestic dogs in farming areas around Yass, New South Wales, and Mansfield and Whitfield, Victoria. DESIGN: Faeces were collected per-rectally from farm dogs voluntarily presented by their owners in four farming districts in New South Wales and two in Victoria. PROCEDURE: Faeces were collected in the field, an extract prepared from each sample and E granulosus coproantigens detected in an ELISA. Farmers were also questioned about their dog feeding and worming practices. RESULTS: Echinococcus granulosus coproantigens were detected in 99 of 344 dogs (29%) from 95 farms in south eastern New South Wales and 38 of 217 dogs (17.5%) from 43 farms in Victoria. Cross-reactions between E granulosus coproantigen trapping antibody and coproantigens in faeces from dogs monospecifically infected with other species of intestinal helminthes (Taenia ovis, T hydatigena, T pisiformis, Spirometra ericacei, Dipylidium caninum, hookworm, Toxocara canis, Trichuris vulpis) were not evident. Dietary and worming data revealed many owners fed raw meat and occasionally offal from domestic livestock and wildlife to their dogs and few owners wormed their dogs frequently enough to preclude the chance of patent E granulosus being present in their dogs. CONCLUSION: Echinococcus granulosus occurs commonly in rural dogs in south eastern Australia and an education program promoting the public health importance of responsible management of rural dogs is urgently needed.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16498828/