Islanders are being informed that a small tapeworm mainly found in foxes and coyotes, called Echinococcus multilocularis, has been detected in Prince Edward Island at levels higher than previously reported.
Research conducted by the Atlantic Veterinary College between 2020 and 2025 shows that 20 to 30 percent of red foxes and coyotes on the Island carry the parasite. Although rare, it can cause a disease in humans called alveolar echinococcosis, but public health officials stress that the risk to human health remains extremely low, even in regions where the parasite is well established.
“While it’s important to be aware, this is not a cause for alarm. Even in parts of Canada and Europe where this parasite has been present for some time, human infections are rare. Preventive steps like washing hands, washing or cooking wild picked foods, and talking to your vet about deworming your pets are highly effective. Our goal is to provide Islanders with clear, accurate information about how to reduce their risk of exposure.”
— Epidemiologist with the Chief Public Health Office, Dr. Marguerite Cameron.
The parasite is mainly spread through the feces of infected animals such as foxes, coyotes, and occasionally dogs. Humans can become infected if they accidentally ingest microscopic eggs in contaminated food, water, soil, or through close contact with animals that have been exposed.
“Our veterinary community is aware of the presence of this parasite and is well equipped to help educate pet owners on preventative measures that can help combat infections”, said PEI Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Jill Wood. “Keeping domestic animals away from wild animals and their feces, unwashed food such as wild berries and greens, as well as ensuring that animals are dewormed regularly are all actions that can help prevent the spread of this parasite.”
The province’s One Health Committee recognize the connection between human, animal, and environmental health and always encourage Islanders to take the following precautionary measures:
- Wash hands after handling pets, soil, or wild-picked foods
- Clean or cook wild berries, herbs and other ground-dwelling fruits and vegetables before eating
- Talk to a veterinarian about routine deworming and how to prevent pets from hunting or contacting wild animal feces
- Avoid attracting or feeding wild animals like foxes or coyotes near homes
- Use gloves when handling wild animals, especially for hunters, trappers, or veterinary professionals.
“This discovery allows us to take informed, proactive steps,” said Dr. Cameron. “By working together across disciplines, we can minimize risk and keep Islanders and their pets safe.”
The situation will continue to be monitored by the PEI One Health Committee, which consists of public health, veterinary, and wildlife experts, working in collaboration.
Media contact:
Autumn Tremere
Department of Health and Wellness
agtremere@gov.pe.ca
Kip Ready
Department of Agriculture
kjready@gov.pe.ca
Backgrounder
About Echinococcus multilocularis and Alveolar Echinococcosis (AE)
- Echinococcus multilocularis is a small tapeworm that naturally infects wild carnivores like foxes and coyotes. Small rodents serve as intermediate hosts.
- Dogs may get the tapeworm if they eat infected rodents or come in contact with contaminated environments.
- Humans can become hosts by ingesting parasite eggs. This can occur through contact with contaminated soil, water, wild berries and other foods, or infected animals.
- It cannot be transmitted from human-to-human.
- Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a very rare but serious disease in humans. The parasite forms cyst-like lesions, primarily in the liver, which grow slowly and mimic liver cancer.
- Symptoms can take 5 to 15 years to develop and may include abdominal pain, weight loss, and fatigue.
- In Canada, human cases of AE are extremely rare—fewer than one case per million people annually.
- Routine pet deworming, washing or cooking wild picked foods, and hand hygiene are the most effective methods of prevention.
About the PEI One Health Committee
The PEI One Health Committee brings together public health, veterinary, and environmental experts to address health issues at the intersection of people, animals, and ecosystems. The committee promotes science-based collaboration to improve health outcomes for all species and the environment.