Dangerous Tapeworm Detected in Pacific Northwest Coyotes, Raising Public Health Concerns
A dangerous tapeworm, Echinococcus multilocularis, has been detected in the Pacific Northwest for the first time, according to recent research. This parasite, which commonly infects coyotes, foxes, and other canids, poses a significant health risk to domestic dogs and humans. Researchers from the University of Washington found the parasite in 37 out of 100 coyotes surveyed in the Puget Sound region. The findings, published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, highlight the parasite's spread across North America, having previously been considered rare in the region. The tapeworm can cause severe disease, including cancer-like cysts in the liver, and can be fatal without treatment. The parasite's life cycle involves several hosts, with coyotes and other canids serving as primary hosts, while humans and domestic dogs are considered accidental hosts. 
