Coyote tapeworm test
 

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




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

x2, what's the procedure?

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.

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...udy-finds.html

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.

Is it in any fur bearers other than coyotes?

This... need a liver scan

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Correct bud ... my doc has me doing a 6 month follow up then go to yearly.

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Foxes for sure

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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.

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.

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!

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.

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/echino...o/ae-faqs.html

https://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j...pspcap8ecl.png

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.

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

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

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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.

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

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

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

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

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

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:).

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.

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

Coyote tapeworm
 

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