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Worries grow over tapeworm that moves from coyotes to dogs
The Canadian Press
Published Thursday, Sep. 13, 2012 6:33AM EDT
Last Updated Thursday, Sep. 13, 2012 12:32PM EDT
TORONTO -- Animal health researchers are watching what appears to be mounting evidence of the spread of a potentially dangerous parasite in coyotes, foxes and other animals in Canada.
That's a concern, they suggest, because the parasite, a tapeworm, can on occasion spill over from its wild animal hosts to infect dogs and humans.
And while people aren't the tapeworm's preferred hosts, a growing number of human cases are being seen in Europe and parts of the world where the parasite is more established.
The researchers are keen not to incite undue alarm. It would appear, they say, that the risk to Canadians is low. But they say the situation bears continued scrutiny, especially in light of the fact that urban sprawl in cities like Calgary is leading to closer contact between coyotes and domestic animals.
"It seems like there is a real route for coyotes to bring this into the cities and into dog parks," says Dr. Emily Jenkins, a professor in the University of Saskatchewan's department of veterinary microbiology and school of public health.
Read more: http://www.ctvnews.ca/health/worrie...s-from-coyotes-to-dogs-1.954020#ixzz26On4tiUL
The Canadian Press
Published Thursday, Sep. 13, 2012 6:33AM EDT
Last Updated Thursday, Sep. 13, 2012 12:32PM EDT
TORONTO -- Animal health researchers are watching what appears to be mounting evidence of the spread of a potentially dangerous parasite in coyotes, foxes and other animals in Canada.
That's a concern, they suggest, because the parasite, a tapeworm, can on occasion spill over from its wild animal hosts to infect dogs and humans.
And while people aren't the tapeworm's preferred hosts, a growing number of human cases are being seen in Europe and parts of the world where the parasite is more established.
The researchers are keen not to incite undue alarm. It would appear, they say, that the risk to Canadians is low. But they say the situation bears continued scrutiny, especially in light of the fact that urban sprawl in cities like Calgary is leading to closer contact between coyotes and domestic animals.
"It seems like there is a real route for coyotes to bring this into the cities and into dog parks," says Dr. Emily Jenkins, a professor in the University of Saskatchewan's department of veterinary microbiology and school of public health.
Read more: http://www.ctvnews.ca/health/worrie...s-from-coyotes-to-dogs-1.954020#ixzz26On4tiUL