OFAH Insider: Canine tapeworm in Ontario

Over the past year, Ph.D. candidate Jonathon Kotwa, from the University of Guelph, has been conducting a study to gather information on the prevalence of canine tapeworm in wild canids of Ontario. Representatives from OFAH zones played a key role in this research by submitting fox and coyote carcasses for the study and by providing drop-off locations for people to contribute samples. The parasite is tiny, measuring one to four millimetres long, and is found in the small intestine of foxes, coyotes, dogs, and occasionally, cats. Human exposure usually occurs from an infected animal’s feces or by handling an infected animal that has tapeworm eggs on its coat. Exposure to the eggs can result in humans contracting a disease called Alveolar Echinococcosis, a disease that can cause significant damage to the liver and some times the lungs, brain, and other organs. “It is important that hunters and trappers are aware of the confirmed presence of this parasite so that they know to take precautions,” says Tony Jackson, OFAH provincial director at large. Take precautions when handling a coyote or fox: Wash hands with warm soapy water for 20 seconds after touching Use disposable gloves when handling If your dog eats rodents, consult your veterinarian about preventative treatment for intestinal infections If you are concerned about your health, speak to your physician or public health department A grassroots effort by the OFAH and its members has helped to identify the first positive case of wild canine tapeworm in Ontario. Originally published in the April 2018 issue of Ontario Out of Doors For more on coyotes, click here Click here for more outdoors news Watch on-demand videos anytime on OFAH Stream