Echinococcus granulosus (Cestoda: Taeniidae) infections in moose (Alces alces) from southwestern Quebec.
Investigation of the distribution of larval Echinococcus granulosus in a moose population from southwestern Quebec revealed a distinct and stable pattern of infection with a prevalence of 44% (n = 580). Positive correlations between moose age and the intensity, mean cyst weight and biomass of the hydatid cysts suggested a process of continued parasite acquisition and cyst growth. The distribution of cyst sizes within individual moose provided circumstantial evidence of interaction between cysts, perhaps mediated through the host's immunological response.
D000818:Animals; D003670:Deer / Q000469:parasitology*; D004445:Echinococcosis, Pulmonary / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D011792:Quebec