Establishing infection with Echinococcus granulosus hydatid cyst From Bovine origin in dogs

Abstract

Establishing infection with Echinococcus granulosus had often created a challenge where by the actual role of the different Intermediate hosts could not be precisely determined. This study was consequently planned to examine the efficiency of cattle as intermediate hosts in the transmission of E. granulosus to canine final hosts. A modified procedure was followed where dogs were fed whole viable hydatid cysts as compared to viable protoscoleces obtained from hydatid sand mixed with meat. Successful transmission was attained as indicated by the presence of ova at faecal examination and adult worm recovery at post – mortem examination. The pre-patent period ranged between 30 – 42 days. It was apparent that the non capsulated protoscoleces were defected to the extend that they could not develop to maturity in the dog’s viscera. This modification needs to be applied to verify the efficiency of different intermediate hosts in the transmission cycle of Echinococcosis.