On the Ecology and Distribution of Echinococcus spp. (Cestoda : Taeniidae), and Characteristics of their Development in the Intermediate Host

A Consideration of Infraspecific Categories in the Genus Echinococcus Rudolphi, 1801 (Cestoda: Taeniidae)

“…The type host is the domestic sheep. A single form of E. granulosus (the nominate subspecies) presumably is present in the agricultural regions of Europe, while the form occurring within the tundra zone of Eurasia appears to be distinguishable ecologically (Rausch, 1967). The status of the latter form is discussed below.…”

“…The earliest record in the literature, however, appeared much later; the larval cestode was observed in domestic animals in Canada by Osler (1882), who also mentioned data published in 1845 concerning infected swine in Ohio. Further reports (Salmon, 1901) and specimens in the collections of the U. S. National Museum indicate that E. granulosus was prevalent in domestic animals in the United States prior to 1900 (Rausch, 1967). At present, E. granulosus of presumed European origin is restricted to certain endemic areas, mainly in the southern part of the United States.…”

“…New Zealand: Sweatman and Williams ( 1963) and Williams and Sweatman (1963) determined that the nominate subspecies occurs in New Zealand and, presumably, in Australia, having been introduced into these regions with domestic animals imported from Europe (Rausch, 1967). However, Verster (1965) found that cestodes from New Zealand differed morphologically from E. g. granulosus, and the former were consequently designated E. g. newzealandensis Verster, 1965.…”

“…Upon comparing the cestodes from the fox with specimens identified as E. granulosus from dogs in the vicinity of Pretoria, South Africa, Ortlepp (1934) concluded that the former were specifically distinct, and designated the species E. cameroni. After comparing some of the original specimens from the fox with E. granulosus from various regions, Rausch (1953) concluded that the two were morphologically indistinguishable, making E. cameroni a synonym of E. granulosus. Contrary to what is usually observed, E. granulosus in Great Britain is capable of maturing and producing eggs in red foxes.…”

“…Accepting Ortlepp's original determination, Rausch and Nelson (1963) placed E. ortleppi in synonymy with E. granulosus. After studying some of Ortlepp's material, Verster (1965) concluded that these specimens were morphologically distinguishable at the subspecific level and thereupon designated them E. g. ortleppi L6pez-Neyra andSoler, 1943.…”