Hydatid Disease

Commonly infected wildlife

Is this animal infected?

• Adult worms live and grow in infected dog and wild canine (wolf and coyote) intestines
• Infected cervids often have large fluidfilled cysts in lungs or liver – these cysts are NOT infectious to people

Can I get it?

Yes

• Dogs and wild canines eat cysts of cervid lungs and liver, and worms mature
• The worms release eggs in dog and wild canine feces, and eggs stick to their fur
• The shed eggs can infect people

How bad can it get?

Gets worse with time and depends on organ affected

Protect myself and others

• When handling live canines, their feces, pelts or carcasses:
  • Wear disposable gloves
  • Practice good hygiene
    • WASH YOUR HANDS!
    • Disinfect your work space

Symptoms in humans

• Severity of symptoms depends on if and where the juvenile worms form cysts:
  • Brain – death
  • Lungs – breathing difficulties
  • Abdomen – liver damage
• Consult your doctor if you have health concerns after handling wolf or coyote carcasses

Safe for pets?

No

• Cysts found in cervids can infect pet dogs
• Once infected, pet dogs can be a source of infection to you and your family

DO NOT ALLOW dogs access to lungs and liver from cervids

What causes it?

• The tapeworms Echinococcus granulosus and Echinococcus multilocularis