Fox tapeworm, a zoonotic parasite, found in Pacific Northwest
New university findings highlight potential implications for dogs, cancer, and veterinary practice.
In May, pathologists at Washington State University’s Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory detected the tapeworm during a necropsy of a fox kit found on the WSU Pullman campus.
— A parasite commonly carried by foxes that can be passed to domestic dogs and cause severe illness in humans on rare occasions appears to have established itself in the Pacific Northwest.
Commonly known as the fox tapeworm, Echinococcus multilocularis is carried by foxes and coyotes and can spread to humans through contact with feces or feces-contaminated soil.
When humans are infected, they can develop a disease known as alveolar echinococcosis.
Symptoms may take years to appear and often do not emerge until significant liver damage has occurred.
The disease can mimic liver cancer and spread to other organs if left untreated.
While common in parts of Europe, Asia and northern North America, the parasite was not believed to be present in the Pacific Northwest until recently.
The diagnosis followed a study published in March in the journal PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases that found the parasite is widespread in coyotes in the Puget Sound area.
Foxes and coyotes are common in and around Pullman and throughout the Pacific Northwest, increasing the potential for environmental contamination.
Experts recommend avoiding contact with wild animal feces, wearing gloves when cleaning areas where feces may be present and washing hands thoroughly afterward.
Pet owners should also prevent dogs from eating rodents or scavenging wildlife.
The report adds to ongoing university-led research relevant to veterinary medicine, animal health, and clinical decision-making.
Source university website: Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine
https://vetmed.wsu.edu/fox-tapeworm-a-zoonotic-parasite-found-in-pacific-northwest/
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