Comparative studies on the biology and morphology of Echinococcus granulosus from domestic livestock, moose and reindeer

• Published in: Parasitology
• Main Authors: Sweatman, G. K., Williams, R. J.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 1963
• Subjects: Infectious Diseases; Animal Science and Zoology; Parasitology; caribou; Lynx
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0031182000073832; https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0031182000073832

1. As an intermediate host of the hydatid tapeworm in boreal North America, the moose is of relatively greater importance than other indigenous cervids (white-tailed deer, wapiti, barren-ground caribou) primarily because of a higher rate of infection in different individuals and the fertility of the hydatid cysts. 2. The European reindeer introduced into north-western Canada is of considerable importance as an intermediate host where it occurs locally. 3. Timber wolves are the important definitive hosts; no infections occurred naturally or were produced experimentally in the bobcat, Canada lynx, raccoon, fisher, marten, striped skunk or European ferret. 4. A description using biological and morphological criteria is presented for Echinococcus granulosus granulosus in dogs, sheep and other domestic animals, E. g. borealis subsp.nov. in timber wolves, moose and other cervids indigenous to North America, and E. g. canadensis Webster and Cameron, 1961, in dogs and reindeer introduced into north-western Canada from Laplandic Norway. 5. The rate of cystic growth, scolex production, infectability of timber wolves and dogs and prepatent period are similar for all three subspecies. 6. E. g. borealis reached a gravid state in experimental red foxes ( Vulpes fulva ). 7. Hydatid cysts developed only rarely in sheep fed eggs of E. g. borealis or E. g. canadensis . 8. Eggs of E. g. granulosus produced only one viable hydatid cyst in a series of experimental red deer ( Cervus elaphus ) and fallow deer ( Dama dama ). 9. E. g. granulosus, E. g. borealis and E. g. canadensis are morphologically distinct, the most distinctive characters occur in E. g. canadensis . 10. Besides the above and E. multilocularis , other species in Echinococcus are little known. Those recognized as being currently valid are E. lycaontis, E. ortleppi, E. felidis, E. cameroni, E. oligarthrus, E. cruzi and possibly E. patagonicus . The writers wish to thank Sir Charles Hercus and the other members of the Hydatid Research Committee for their interest and ...