Echinococcus multilocularis
The Fox Tapeworm
Echinococcus multilocularis, or the "fox tapeworm" is a growing concern in Ontario. It was not present in Ontario until a few years ago and more cases have been reported within the past few years. There have been a number of reports in the media about it lately too.
This tapeworm is normally found in the intestines of foxes and coyotes and does not cause disease in these animals. It is normally shed in the stool of these animals. When the stool is ingested by wild rodents (rats, mice, squirrels, etc) the parasite can grow into cysts inside their liver.
The concern for pet owners is the risk of parasite transmission to domestic dogs via these wild animals. In some cases it just passes through the intestine without causing disease, however in other cases the parasite may cause cyst development inside a dog's liver as well. The further concern is that this parasite can be transmitted to people as well, and can cause cyst development inside the human liver too. If you have an outdoor cat that regularly hunts wild rodents, they may be at risk as well.
Risk factors of transmission of this parasite include:
For dogs or cats:
- Active outdoor lifestyle, including off-leash hiking in trails and/or areas with wild foxes or coyotes
- Hunting wild rodents
For transmission to humans:
- Contact with your dog's or cat's feces
- Sharing your bed with your pet
- Young children
- Immunocompromised individuals
How to prevent your dog, cat, or family from being infected with this parasite:
- Closely observe your pets when they are outside. Discourage them from hunting rodents or ingesting dead rodents.
- Talk to us about deworming your dog or cat regularly with a special preventative medication protecting them against this species of tapeworm infection. Note - Most routine deworming medications do not cover this species of tapeworm.
- Pick up feces promptly and always wash your hands after contacting feces