Helminths in coyotes (Canis latrans Say), wolves (Canis lupus L.), and red foxes (Vulpes vulpes L.) of southwestern Manitoba.

Abstract

Forty-three coyotes, 12 wolves, and 6 red foxes from an area around Riding Mountain National Park in southwestern Manitoba were examined for parasitic helminths. Eleven, 8, and 5 species were found in coyotes, wolves, and red foxes, respectively. Alaria marcianae, Alaria arisaemoides, and Toxascaris leonina were found in all three host species; Echinococcus granulosus, Taenia hydatigena, Uncinaria stenocephala, and Oslerus (Oslerus) osleri in wolves and coyotes; and Echinococcus multilocularis in coyotes and red foxes. Taenia pisiformis and T. leonina were the most prevalent species in coyotes; E. multilocularis and E. granulosus, the most numerous. Echinococcus granulosus was the most prevalent and numerous species in wolves. Alaria marcianae and T. leonina were found in all red foxes. The significance of the coyote as a major definitive host of E. multilocularis in southwestern Manitoba is discussed.