Gray Wolf

Canis lupus

IDAPA Classification: Big Game

Health Issues Which May Affect This Animal

Hydatid Disease

What Causes This Disease?

Hydatids are the immature form of a tapeworm called Echinococcus granulosus. Echinococcus granulosus is a very small (3-5 m) tapeworm that requires two different animal species, a canid and an ungulate, to complete its lifecycle.

Where Is The Disease Found?

Hydatid disease is found around the world including North America where it exists in two forms – a domestic form involving domestic dogs and domestic sheep and a sylvatic form involving wolves or coyotes and ungulates. The most common form of E. granulosus is found in domestic dogs and sheep, and is found worldwide, including the western USA. The form in domestic dogs and domestic sheep is the most common source of the disease in humans. There are numerous strains of E .granulosus worldwide that occur in various host species systems e. g. wolves and wild ungulates in temperate North America, dingos and kangaroos in Australia, and jackels and domestic cattle in Africa. Hydatid cysts have been found in cattle and domestic sheep, deer, elk,. moose and mountain goats in Idaho. Adult tapeworms have been found in wolves and coyotes in Idaho.

Signs of Disease

The adult tapeworm occurs in the intestines of wolves, coyotes and foxes but they are generally asymptomatic. The larval form or hydatid cyst occurs in moose, elk and deer, and can occur in humans. In moose, deer, and elk, the cysts have thick walls and are filled with a clear watery liquid. The cysts are usually found in the lungs but can also occur in the liver or other organs. Cysts can vary in size from ¾ to 4 inches in diameter and contain hundreds of juvenile tapeworms. The presence of hydatids in herbivores usually does not cause clinical signs unless the cyst obstructs normal body function. If cysts rupture, illness can be severe.

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Lice on wolves (Trichodectes canis)

What Causes This Disease?

The lice that are found on wolves are usually Trichodectes canis.

Where Is The Disease Found?

Trichodectes canis is found in wolves across most of North America. The louse has been documented on wolves in Idaho.

Signs of Disease

Trichodectes canis on wolves is typically found in low numbers. Lice are small, about the size of a flattened rice grain, and are usually found in the groin and armpits. In large numbers, the lice tend to cause irritation and itching, which results in a diamond shaped area of hair loss over the back of the affected animals.

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Sarcoptic Mange

What Causes This Disease?

Sarcoptic mange is caused by a mite, Sarcoptes scabiei var canis. The mites burrow into the skin, mate and lay eggs. The eggs hatch and grow into adult mites in approximately 2 weeks.

Where Is The Disease Found?

Sarcoptic mange is found throughout North America, including Idaho.

Signs of Disease

Animals infected with sarcoptic mange typically scratch excessively and have moderate to severe hair loss. The itching often results in excoriations of the skin and oozing of serum which creates crusts over the skin. The affected skin appears dry, flaky, thickened, and wrinkled. Some animals may appear weak and thin and some may die from secondary infections. Infected animals tend to be more visible in fall and winter.

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Tapeworms in carnivores and ungulates

What Causes This Disease?

Tapeworms are segmented worms that are usually found in the small intestine or other tubular structures of animals. There are numerous species of tapeworms that affect a variety of animals with highly variable life cycles and many sizes.

Where Is The Disease Found?

Tapeworms are found worldwide and have been reported from many species of wildlife in Idaho.

Signs of Disease

Typically animals that are infected with tapeworms show no outward signs. Tapeworms are occasionally found when animals are examined after being harvested by hunters.

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