Echinococcus multilocularis in veterinary practice in Europe

The tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis is relevant to veterinary practice primarily because dogs are important definitive hosts, shedding eggs that pose a significant zoonotic threat. Dogs can also occasionally become infected as intermediate hosts and develop severe disease. The major role of the veterinary clinician is to ensure adequate de-worming treatment in dogs in endemic areas, and to apply protocols aimed at reducing the risk of introducing the parasite into new areas through animal movement. In both cases, up to date knowledge of the apparently changing geographical range and epidemiology is crucial.