Urban coyotes a factor in rise of serious parasitic disease in western Canada: U of A
Alberta is now a hot spot for a rare and potentially fatal disease known as alveolar echinococcosis (AE) -- a parasitic infection transmitted from canines.
According to a University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry report, the disease which orignated from Europe has become established in Alberta, Saskatchewan and British Columbia. There have been a total of 17 cases found in Alberta.
The parasite takes the form of a small tapeworm in canines such as coyotes, foxes and pet dogs, according to University of Alberta infectious diseases expert Stan Houston. The tapeworm is harmless to canines but if a rodent consumes the parasitic feces, this can be fatal for the rodent. When the canine eats the rodent, the tapeworm can find itself back inside the canine, said Houston.
Humans can become infected with the disease if the parasitic egg is accidently consumed. If we consume lettuce or strawberries grown where a coyote has passed through, this can lead to infection, according to a U of A report.
Humans are also at risk of contracting the disease by petting a dog with AE.
“A human could become infected by petting a dog that has microscopic traces of canine feces in its hair and then touching food or their mouth, accidentally ingesting the parasite’s eggs,” said Houston.
AE has spread quickly in Alberta due to two main factors: an increase of human contact with coyotes and an increase in people with diseases that weaken the immune system.
“In coyotes in Calgary and in Edmonton, more than half have been found to be carrying this parasite. So the new strain seems to not only be more virulent when it affects humans, but it seems to be super-effective in wild hosts,” said Houston.
• They’re taking naps in the trees': Coyotes getting cozy in Lansdowne neighbourhood
Symptoms of AE can be difficult to spot or take several years to appear. Almost half of Alberta cases were found accidently when testing for a different illness. Symptoms of AE include:
• Unspecified pain
• Jaundice
• Weakness
• Weight loss
The symptoms of AE are similar to conditions of liver cancer, said an expert. If the disease is left untreated, it could kill its host in 10 to 15 years.
To prevent contracting the disease, experts recommend good hygiene and taking simple precautions such as washing your hands after you pet your dog and washing produce that comes from the ground.
“We should be paying attention, but it’s still a very rare disease,” said Houston. “People should keep that in perspective, adopt health behaviours and not obsess about this.”
More on the study can be found online.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Five areas Canada's foreign interference commissioner says needs more investigation
Commissioner Marie-Josee Hogue released her interim report examining foreign election interference on Friday. Here are five elements of the issue that Hogue says she needs to further probe before she can make conclusions or recommendations.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.
Why your airfare may be getting more expensive
Skyrocketing airfare prices are linked to heightened competition and rising food and fuel, according to the CAA.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
New weight-loss drug Wegovy not a 'magic bullet,' doctor warns
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
Funeral today for broadcasting legend and voice of 'Hockey Night in Canada' Bob Cole
A funeral is being held today for hockey broadcasting legend Bob Cole in his hometown of St. John's, N.L.
Foreign meddling 'did not affect' overall federal election results: inquiry report
Foreign interference by China did not affect the overall results of the 2019 and 2021 general elections won by Justin Trudeau's Liberals, a federal commission of inquiry has found.