Coyote tapeworm test

[H380]

So how many of you coyote trappers have gone and gotten the test for this new scare ? Had my ultrasound and blood work done , ultrasound appears ok but no results back from the other yet . The ultrasound tech was very chatty and says they have performed this test for 30 years and only had 1 come back as positive...untill lately..now 4 confirmed cases here in southern Alberta in the past 6 months. Hoping Marty will chime in on this thread but anyone is welcome to share actual preventive measures we can take (gloves , masks ,etc.) or any other helpful info including facts on tapeworm eggs or adults.
I've done some research on the web and can find no info on whether cold weather kills eggs on fur or if they are effected by chemicals, such as raid that is used for fleas on hides. At very least it sounds like a coyote or fox handler should be wearing rubber gloves and a dust mask.




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[Saskfly16]

What exactly do you ask for when getting tested? Does the test have a name?




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[MugEye]

I’m tested and all my family too . Because my dad has the parasite

[st99]

What exactly do you ask for when getting tested? Does the test have a name?




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x2, what's the procedure?

[huntinggr81]

My son & I went for the tests in August. First they took blood & then scheduled us for the ultrasound to look for cysts. It was explained to me that if nothing was detected on ultrasound then that's where it stops. What I was told is that blood is only tested for parasite if they see something on ultrasound. This sounds screwy to me, but I followed up with several questions & that's what I was told. I also contacted my vet to see if I could have my dogs tested. She knew much more about it than any doctor or nurse that I dealt with. Vet has been to several conferences that discussed this particular parasite in canines. She further informed me that from what she knows there have been no reported cases north of Sylvan Lake. I never heard back from doctor indicating to me that my son & I were found to be negative on the test.

[TrapperMike]

Have Dr. Appointment Monday would also like to know what tests to ask for. What is the name of this condition and parasite.

[huntinggr81]

Have Dr. Appointment Monday would also like to know what tests to ask for. What is the name of this condition and parasite.

Echinococcus multilocularis

https://www.thestar.com/calgary/2019/07/25/dogs-and-cats-may-be-spreading-fatal-parasite-found-in-alberta-coyotes-university-of-calgary-study-finds.html

[Dr Death]

The blood test is not run until the ultrasound is positive for liver lesions. I’ve talked to several who had their blood samples taken and were told they would get the ultrasound if that test was positive. Most of the doctors themselves aren’t even aware of this. The ultrasound must be done with yearly follow ups. The problem is the parasite is in a fairly advanced stage to even produce positive ultrasound findings. Even if the ultrasound is negative does not mean you’re not infected. The Provincial lab won’t process the bloodwork independently because of a high rate of false positives the current test would produce. Bottom line....get the ultrasound. Yearly.

[slough shark]

Is it in any fur bearers other than coyotes?

[H380]

Echinococcus multilocularis



https://www.thestar.com/calgary/2019/07/25/dogs-and-cats-may-be-spreading-fatal-parasite-found-in-alberta-coyotes-university-of-calgary-study-finds.htmlThis... need a liver scan

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[H380]

The blood test is not run until the ultrasound is positive for liver lesions. I’ve talked to several who had their blood samples taken and were told they would get the ultrasound if that test was positive. Most of the doctors themselves aren’t even aware of this. The ultrasound must be done with yearly follow ups. The problem is the parasite is in a fairly advanced stage to even produce positive ultrasound findings. Even if the ultrasound is negative does not mean you’re not infected. The Provincial lab won’t process the bloodwork independently because of a high rate of false positives the current test would produce. Bottom line....get the ultrasound. Yearly.Correct bud ... my doc has me doing a 6 month follow up then go to yearly.

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[H380]

Is it in any fur bearers other than coyotes?Foxes for sure

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[204ruger]

If someone is infected what’s the cure? I thought the research I did about the parasite said it’s in their feces! Or is that wrong is it on the fur as well.

[204ruger]

I guess feces get on there fur and larvae could be on fur I see that, but If no feces on fur will larvae be on the fur or is it just don’t play with the feces of wild canids and don’t eat small rodents and you’ll be fine or?

May have gotten into the rum early so it might seem as if I’m rambling.

[Marty S]

My understanding is the basic test for echinococcus is definitely the ultrasound. If the ultrasound is positive, then your blood needs to be tested. There is only one lab in the world that performs the proper test??? And then only if they find cysts in your liver. 3 month waiting list.

Over counter worm meds 100% useless. Medication would be administered after surgical removal for a three year period. Its serious dtuff!

It is also my understanding that we can inhale this thing and it end up in our lungs??? Again, I’lm not sure but intend to find out. I had a chest x-ray to liok into some 18 month respiratory cold symptoms i had, no cysts in there so they considered my lungs clean as well. Im going to ask a doc that knows some further questions on it and will let you know.

Cyst removal in liver is surgical. I do believe if we got it in our lungs they would have to use radiation. However, i havent heard much on that one, just from reading online.

Apparently this thing is a muscle worm which is why regular worm meds dont work and why such intense treatment and heavy meds are needed for such a long time.

The medical community is not totally up on this condition, there is much unknown about it. One AB trapper that’s packing cysts is believed that his immune system has destroyed his three cysts, but another potential is that this thing could go dormant??? Again, much is not known. Time will tell. Same guy is going to have a biopsy done in hopes it will shed more light on the status of this guy’s condition. If the parasite is dead, wonderful! If live or dormant then the cysts are getting surgically removed.

One other point if cysts are found in your liver... 5% of the population apparently has cysts on/in their livers, non-echinococcus related. So even if they find cysts on your liver, you are not necessarily echinococcus positive.

Hope this helps. I hope i am accurate!

[Marty S]

Anyone know the different strains of echinococcus?

Echinococcus Granulosus vs Echinococcud Multilocularis? I see the first definitely can get in your lungs.

So skin with dr mask or grain mask. Rubber gloves great idea. Wash hands always even before scratching your nose, eating food, etc. Be clean

Point of interest... the one and only, The Amazing Dr Kurt has been wearing a doctor mask when skinning coyotes for many years.

I think we should get the guy a cape yet too! Such a smart man!!!

I suspect a good grain mask will be better protection, but doctor masks probly cheaper. A crappy grain mask i wouldn't trust.

[HunterDave]

In order to become infected the tapeworm eggs must be somehow ingested not inhaled.

“How do people get alveolar echinococcosis (AE)?

People who accidentally swallow the eggs of the Echinococcus multilocularis tapeworm are at risk for infection. People at high risk include trappers, hunters, veterinarians, or others who have contact with wild foxes, or coyotes, or their stool, or household dogs and cats that have the opportunity to eat wild rodents infected with AE. Humans can be exposed to these eggs by “hand-to-mouth” transfer or contamination.

By directly ingesting food items contaminated with stool from foxes or coyotes. This might include grass, herbs, greens, or berries gathered from fields.
By petting or handling household dogs or cats infected with the Echinococcus multilocularis tapeworm. These pets may shed the tapeworm eggs in their stool, and their fur may be contaminated. Some dogs “scent roll” in foreign material (such as wild animal feces) and may become contaminated this way.”

https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/echinococcosis/gen_info/ae-faqs.html

[Marty S]

https://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j245/coyklr/6E01488F-EACB-4EAE-9F83-A950DF721F2E_zpspcap8ecl.png (http://s82.photobucket.com/user/coyklr/media/6E01488F-EACB-4EAE-9F83-A950DF721F2E_zpspcap8ecl.png.html)

Regardless of how they get in, digestive vs respiratory, it does look to be fact that the parasite can take up residence in your lungs.

[204ruger]

There’s been cases found in humans or domestic dogs in B.C, Alberta and Ontario anywhere else? Saskatchewan, Manitoba?

[H380]

Thanx Marty and Dave for posting ,seems there is lots yet to learn but key is to keep clean .

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[dugh]

I had a biopsy and found out it wasn't cancer, didn't really pay much attention after that. My doctor sent me for ultrasounds every two years to make sure the nodule didn't get any bigger. Doctor retired so new doctor is checking for everything on my chart. I go for MRI at the end of the month and haven't heard what the blood test determined. I have always been careful but may have got it from our family pet that ate gophers, squirrels etc.

[kingrat]

There’s been cases found in humans or domestic dogs in B.C, Alberta and Ontario anywhere else? Saskatchewan, Manitoba?

Saskatchewan has very high positive numbers in coyotes i read awhile back.

[dugh]

Well I had my follow up appt. with the specialist yesterday. The MRI showed that I don't have the coyote tapeworm :sHa_shakeshout:. I might of had a parasite in the past but the nodule on my liver is much smaller and seems to be a dead mass. Another MRI in a year to make sure.
The only interesting thing is the doctor was surprised to hear that trappers are aware of the tapeworm and are discussing it and safety issues. He said there are 13, cases I didn't get if they are in Canada or Alberta. Will try to follow up :test:.
Wash good and stay safe.
Doug

[H380]

Good to hear dugh ,hope the next test is clear as well .

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[TrapperMike]

Got my results. Two cysts on liver. Next step is blood test to see if I have a problem.

[shakeyleg02]

Had my test awhile back ..looked like a cyst on the liver ..had the blood test didnt find anything ..blood was sent to edmonton lab ..no word back ..dont kno if thats a good thing or not

[dugh]

Hope your tests go well. I was lucky because my nodule was fairly easy to access for the biopsy, they ultra sounded so they could see the needle going into the right area.. The biopsy is no fun at all, they can only freeze the surface and the needle is 15 cm long :sign0176:(that's a full 6 inches, not what some of you tell your wives :bad_boys_20:).

[HunterDave]

I went to the Doctor today for an annual check up and I discussed getting the testing done for the parasite. He had no idea what I was talking about and didn't know what tests he'd have to order for me. He told me that he'd have to consult with an Infectious Disease person and see if Alberta Health is recommending the testing. I got the feeling that he really didn't seem too interested in getting the testing done......almost like he was trying to talk me out of it. :confused:

If any of you fellas in the Edmonton area have a Doctor that knows about the parasite and what tests are required I'd really appreciate it if you could PM me his name and location so I can visit him/her.

[goose slayer10]

I had anus juice squirt me in the face when skinning today. If I didn’t have it before I must have it now..

[trigger7mm]

I had my ultrasound done a couple weeks ago, but haven’t heard back. No news is good news sometimes.

[H380]

I went to the Doctor today for an annual check up and I discussed getting the testing done for the parasite. He had no idea what I was talking about and didn't know what tests he'd have to order for me. He told me that he'd have to consult with an Infectious Disease person and see if Alberta Health is recommending the testing. I got the feeling that he really didn't seem too interested in getting the testing done......almost like he was trying to talk me out of it. :confused:



If any of you fellas in the Edmonton area have a Doctor that knows about the parasite and what tests are required I'd really appreciate it if you could PM me his name and location so I can visit him/her.Dave when we got our ultrasounds done here in Lethbridge the tech was a little chatty and said he had done the same exam for 30 years and had 1 positive ... he has now had 4 positive in the last 6 months ,so yes you need the test ..hope someone close up there has a doc that knows something.

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[philintheblank]

I had anus juice squirt me in the face when skinning today. If I didn’t have it before I must have it now..

Yuck! I guess the muzzle isn't the only thing that needs to be pointed in a safe direction at all times

[buckbrush]

I had anus juice squirt me in the face when skinning today. If I didn’t have it before I must have it now..

That's horrible.

[FishOutOfWater]

I had anus juice squirt me in the face when skinning today. If I didn’t have it before I must have it now..

Oh boy... That does not sound pleasant.

Good luck.

:sick:

[Redfrog]

So I guess I;ll cut back on coyote jerky Christmas gifts for the inlaws.:thinking-006:

[HunterDave]

I had anus juice squirt me in the face when skinning today. If I didn’t have it before I must have it now..

That’s why I want to get tested. Sh*t happens.

[dugh]

Just let your doctor know you want it tested when you get your annual checkup/blood test. It can be controlled by meds or in some cases removed with part of the liver. I'm at the age where I get check ups every year (or more) so it's no big deal to test.
Don't forget the Christmas Open House in Westlock on Saturday 1 til 5, and make a $5.00 donation to Greater Edmonton for a chance to win the fur hat.

[TrapperMike]

Ultra sound showed positive for liver cysts. Went yesterday for next step which is a specialized blood test. Lab workers were not sure of what test was required so the contacted Calgary health care unit for information about what test was required. Now waiting for results.

[crazy_davey]

My vet confirmed with me yesterday she knew someone in the area dealing with this and said from handling coyotes. Pincher creek area.

Guess it’s time to get tested.

[shakeyleg02]

My vet confirmed with me yesterday she knew someone in the area dealing with this and said from handling coyotes. Pincher creek area.

Guess it’s time to get tested.

Yes the vets know more about it than GP's ..has my boy in for his yearly vaccines and they said they have been seeing quite a few cases in domestics

[kingrat]

I cant even look at a Coyote now without thinking about these worms. Creeps the **** out of me.

[TrapperMike]

Has anyone heard if there’s a vaccine.

[Justfishin73]

I cant even look at a Coyote now without thinking about these worms. Creeps the **** out of me.

Have to say, I'm letting them lie where they go down, forget this crap

[whitetail Junkie]

I was going to get into coyotes 2 years ago until I heard of this...bought a new $1300 varmit rifle scope and electronic coyote caller,etc.....what a waste of $$$ as I’d never skin a coyote or even touch a coyote now for that matter...more for other folks I guess but not 4 me anymore.

[dugh]

There's no vaccine. If caught soon enough you can get meds to control it. It's fatal in 90% of the cases when you don't do nothing about it. In other cases they can cut it out with part of your liver, that;'s the only way to get rid of it entirely. Keep in mind that I'm not a doctor but I am the next best thing............a welder.
Merry Christmas
Doug

[coyote_man]

Sounds like this parasite has arrived and is here to stay.Sad that it can transfer to our canine hunting buddies who encounter all kinds of coyote feces in a days hunt.No more dogs and fewer coyote hunters afield may translate to better hunting opportunities for this old boy. Yes, I will be more cautious but Im hooked on hunting coyotes and love my new pup so I am not about to quit hunting.Do be cautious.

[Marty S]

Echinoccocus really isn’t new... sorry CBC and company! I took personal instruction like 25 years ago or so and was told back then all about it. I came back and got tested right away, like 1992.

So yer dawg has been exposed for a long time in the field, I bet my dawg has it.

The claim is there is no simple solution. However with the one guy down south that has it, it is believed that his immune system has knocked it out??? I have my doubts! But what do I know.

However I do know this guy and the fact that he has been working with cattle a whole bunch in his short, young life. My point? There’s a product many cattlemen have been using that could possibly kill echinoccocus, an insecticide called ivomec. My theory is that laddie boy got a bunch of it on him when processing cattle in the fall, and that the ivomec inadvertently did his echinoccocus in. No idea tho.

If I had echinoccocus, I’d dose with the stuff, with doctors blessing! First thing I’d try, long before they cut me open and hacked and picked!

Another unknown treatment to eradicate it from ones liver...

Junior was sent for some liver core samples, I just can’t think of the proper term, the specialist wanted him to get needles stuck into his liver, as an attempt to evaluate the cysts, but biopsy (there we go) doc said no, too close to blood vessels, going to hit them, and jr would have lengthy stay. Said his cysts were calcified (dead but hopefully not just dormant???)

Biopsy doc then told him stories of being in the Arctic for a lengthy time period and encountering significant amounts of echinoccocus up there, nasty cysts and all, and their way of treatment was to inject cysts in liver with 100 proof alcohol and it killed them. Cool eh? After a dose of ivomec, next they could pump me full of 100 proof alcohol, if both them unsuccessful, then the chop doc can cut me up!

The end

[cody j]

Ivomec that make sense, I may b wrong but I remember reading that ivermectin was originally developed for use on people, perhaps for some of those nasty parasites in Africa and other places

[kritz]

There's no vaccine. If caught soon enough you can get meds to control it. It's fatal in 90% of the cases when you don't do nothing about it. In other cases they can cut it out with part of your liver, that;'s the only way to get rid of it entirely. Keep in mind that I'm not a doctor but I am the next best thing............a welder.Merry Christmas
Doug

OHH Man, That caught me off guard ! That's a spit your coffee out laugh, I needed that today! Merry Christmas to you!

Sorry for the off topic post!