Hidden Parasite Spreads to Washington
Findings in coyotes signal new challenges for diagnostics and surveillance
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Echinococcus multilocularis has been detected in coyotes in Washington State, marking its first identification in a wild host on the U.S. west coast.
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The study found a 37 percent infection rate among tested coyotes, indicating an active transmission cycle in local wildlife.
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Direct intestinal samples were more reliable than fecal samples for detecting the parasite, highlighting limitations in noninvasive testing.
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A new sequencing-based method was developed to identify parasite DNA from small or degraded samples, improving detection capabilities.
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Increased awareness among clinicians and laboratory teams is crucial for early recognition of E. multilocularis, especially in underreported regions.
