ECHINOCOCCOSIS AND TRICHINELLOSIS OF THE WOLF IN THE KIROV REGION

The infection of the wolf with two zoonotic helminth infections, echinococcosis and trichinellosis, was monitored in the Kirov Region. The method of helminthological dissections and compressor trichinelloscopy studied 45 wolves obtained by hunters in the Kirov Region. One hundred foxes and 30 raccoon dogs underwent a helminthological dissection. Wolves are a source of echinococcosis in natural biocenoses. When they visit populated areas, they disseminate helminth eggs. The percentage of Echinococcus granulosus infected predators ranged from 25.9 to 33.3%. Intermediate hosts are the moose and the wild boar, and intermediate hosts in synanthropic foci are livestock animals and humans. According to research data, the number of wolves infected with Trichinella larvae remained at a high level over 40 years. The infection in the wolf reached its highest rates, 76.1%, in 2002 to 2013. In the last decade, the prevalence of Trichinella larvae infection in the wolf has decreased and is 55.6%. The largest number of Trichinella larvae in wolves was recorded in the crura of diaphragm (8.7), and the latissimus dorsi muscle (8.7). The wolf is a source of echinococcosis and trichinellosis in natural ecosystems, and a source of infection with Echinococcus larval stage and Trichinella larvae in humans and pets.