Echinococcus multilocularis, commonly known as fox tapeworm, has been found in a staggering number of wild canids in Ontario. In a study led by Andrew Peregrine at the University of Guelph, it was revealed that 23% of 460 fox and coyote carcasses between Windsor and Ottawa were infected with this parasite.
This particular parasite is spread by foxes and coyotes that eat infected rodents, but the tapeworm does not seem to affect them. The concern the veterinary community has is that exposed dogs can develop a life-threatening liver infection known as alveolar echinococcosis (AE). Dogs at risk are those that eat contaminated feces from affected wildlife and dogs that ingest infected rodents. The same disease can occur in people if the parasite is ingested.
The good news is that the parasite can be prevented. If you keep your dog on a leash, you can prevent him from hunting the parasite-carrying rodents and from ingesting contaminated scat. Furthermore, there are effective prescription medications available at veterinary practices. If you have any concerns that your dog has been exposed, please contact your veterinary care provider.
Written by: Dr. Rob Doucette, DVM