Echinococcus multilocularis is a parasitic tapeworm with the potential to cause serious disease and even death in humans. The minute worm uses a rodent intermediate host and canid definitive host to complete its life cycle and humans can become accidentally infected through exposure to infective eggs. Echinococcus multilocularis had been identified in the north central portion of the United States, including Michigan and nearby states in the early 1990's; however little is known about current prevalence and distribution. In this study, 302 coyotes, gray foxes and red foxes collected from hunters, trappers, fur buyers and state and federal agencies in Michigan were examined for presence of the parasite. Echinococcus multilocularis was identified in 1/219 (0.46%) coyotes from the southwestern Lower Peninsula. The parasite was not identified in any of the red or gray foxes examined. Data generated in this study provides a greater understanding of the spatial distribution of the parasite, provides a baseline with which future research can be compared, and can be used to assess the level of risk to humans in the state. Although the prevalence in wild canids in Michigan appears to be low, the risk of encountering the parasite does exist and those handling wild canids are encouraged to take precautions to prevent exposure. -- Abstract.
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