If you live in Washington and spend time outdoors with your dog while hunting or doing other recreational activities, there is a new health warning, of sorts. A longtime threat, but one considered extremely rare in North America until 15 years ago, showed up for the first time on the West Coast of the United States. Researchers at the University of Washington confirmed the presence of a tapeworm, called Echinococcus multilocularis, in coyotes.  

Researchers made the discovery after examining 100 coyotes in the Puget Sound region. They found the tapeworm in 37 of them. 

“This parasite is concerning because it has been spreading across North America. There have been numerous cases of dogs getting sick, and a handful of people have also picked up the tapeworm,” said lead author and researcher Yasmine Hentati. “The fact that we found it here in one-third of our coyotes was surprising, because it wasn’t found anywhere in the Pacific Northwest until earlier this year.” 

The tapeworm lives as a parasite in coyotes, foxes and other canid species. 

Exposed humans and dogs may or may not become sick. Those infected can have cancer-like cysts that form in the liver or other organs. But if left untreated, it can be fatal. 

Researchers urge the need for increased wildlife surveillance to better manage the disease and reduce the risk to people and pets. 

About Hunt 2 Conserve 

Hunt 2 Conserve is a 501(c)4 nonprofit organization affiliated with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Its mission is to advance a legacy of hunting and conservation by educating, activating and developing stewards and defenders of these fundamentally American ideals. For more information, go to hunt2conserve.org. 

(Photo credit: Samantha Kreling)