Echinococcus One Health Research
Echinococcus multilocularis is an emerging zoonotic parasite in Canada and is particularly concerning in Alberta, where human and canine cases have increased substantially in recent years. This research program investigates the ecological, epidemiological, and genetic drivers of its spread. Using a One Health approach that integrates wildlife, domestic animals and human health data, the work will identify risk factors, map transmission hotspots, and use sentinel species such as dogs and muskrats to better understand how these infections occur. By linking these insights across systems, this research aims to deliver practical, targeted strategies to predict, prevent and reduce infection risk for both people and animals.
Funding:
Papers
Muskrats are competent intermediate hosts of Echinococcus multilocularis in North America.
Trudeau M, Goldsmith D, Lelain C, Stamler S, Rothenburger JL. Muskrats are competent intermediate hosts of Echinococcus multilocularis in North America. Journal of Wildlife Diseases. 2023; 59(4):684-693.
Canine alveolar echinococcosis: an emerging and costly introduced problem in North America. Transboundary and Emerging Diseases.
Kolapo TU, Hay A, Gesy KM, Frey CF, Kerr M, Rothenburger JL, Joffe D, Huang Y, Massolo A, Hill JE, Jenkins EJ. 2023. Canine alveolar echinococcosis: an emerging and costly introduced problem in North America. Transboundary and Emerging Diseases. 5224160.