Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Echinococcus multilocularis infection rates in dogs at southern
By Kotwa, Jonathon D et al.·Published in Zoonoses and public health·2021·Department of Pathobiology, Canada·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Evaluation of the prevalence of Echinococcus multilocularis in dogs that visit off-leash dog parks in southern Ontario, Canada.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A study found that none of the 477 dogs tested from off-leash parks in southern Ontario had Echinococcus multilocularis, a parasite that can cause serious health issues. This was reassuring news for dog owners in the area, especially since this parasite has been linked to infections in wild animals like coyotes and foxes. The research suggests that the risk of dogs contracting this parasite in these parks is very low, which is good for pet owners concerned about their dog's health. Regular monitoring and preventive measures remain important, but this study indicates that the current risk is minimal.
People also search for: dog parasite infection Ontario · Echinococcus multilocularis in dogs · dog health risks off-leash parks
Abstract
Prior to 2012, Echinococcus multilocularis was not known to occur in any host in Ontario, Canada. However, since that year, five cases of alveolar echinococcosis have been diagnosed in dogs that resided at the western end of Lake Ontario. In addition, E. multilocularis has been shown to be a common infection in wild canids (i.e. coyotes and foxes) across southern Ontario with a high-risk infection cluster in the area surrounding the western shores of Lake Ontario and northern shores of Lake Erie. In regions endemic for E. multilocularis, dog ownership is considered a risk factor for human alveolar echinococcosis. A study was therefore carried out to determine the prevalence of E. multilocularis intestinal infections in dogs within the high-risk infection cluster. From May to November 2018, faecal samples were collected from 477 dogs aged ≥6 months that visited 12 off-leash dog parks in the Halton, Hamilton and Niagara public health units. Faecal samples were analysed via a magnetic capture probe DNA extraction and real-time PCR method for E. multilocularis DNA. Overall, 0% (97.5% CI: 0%-0.80%) of samples tested positive. This result informs preventive recommendations for E. multilocularis infections in dogs in this region.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33336543/