Examining Echinococcus multilocularis infection in some Midland Russia predatory animal species

Abstract

Commercially exploited predator animal species are considered as a final host for multiple biohelminths posing a threat both to human and other animals. Fight against pathogens of dangerous helminthozoonoses should be based on combining efforts of scientific and practical centers, various state departments, executive authorities, law enforcement authorities as well as country residents. Examining parasitic fauna in commercially exploited predator animals is of special priority in the Midland Russia with high population density, wherein people have been engaged in hunting closely contacting both with fur animals as well as domestic pets (dogs, cats). Alveococcosis is a natural focal disease caused by Echinococcus multilocularis. The study was aimed at examining dynamics of E. multilocularis recording in the Midland Russia commercially exploited predator animals. 2007—2018 Cestode spread was examined. A research material for (corpses, carcasses, body and tissue fragments) was obtained hunting reserves located in the Vladimir, Nizhny Novgorod, Moscow, Tver, Oryol and Bryansk regions of the Midland Russia as well as the Republic of Karelia. Complete or partial helminthological autopsy carried out in accordance with K.I. Scriabin technique (1928) was performed in 262 animals, including 193 common red foxes, 28 domestic and 16 raccoon dogs, 16 domestic cats, 6 wolves, 2 brown bears and one lynx. It was shown that cestodes E. multilocularis was found in 46 foxes (23.8%), 3 raccoon dogs (18.7%), 3 wolves (50%) and one domestic dog (3.6%). Moreover, the peak tapeworm prevalence in carnivorous animals was noted for foxes and raccoon dogs in 2010—2011 (42.4%), 2011— 2012 (37.1%) and 2012—2013 (42.1%). On the other hand, no tapeworm invasion in carnivores was noted during 2009—2010 and 2013—2014 sports hunting seasons. However, a causative agent of alveococcosis is routinely detected in the Ryazan and Vladimir regions. The prevalence of invasion in animals differs in foxes, raccoon dogs, wolves ranging from 12 to 40,000, in raccoon dogs — from 37 to 112, in wolves — from 12 to 318 tapeworms per animal, and in domestic dog reaching 19 worms per animal. The data of 2007—2018 personal studies point at spread of alveococcosis foci in the Midland Russia.