A recent study has uncovered a concerning health risk for wild boar hunters and their hunting dogs: exposure to Echinococcus granulosus, a parasitic infection that can cause serious health issues. This zoonotic disease, known as cystic echinococcosis (CE), is often overlooked but is endemic in Italy, especially in rural areas where wild boars and dogs serve as hosts for the parasite.

The Study: Investigating the Hidden Danger From December 2022 to May 2023, a team of researchers led by Mariaelisa Carbonara assessed the exposure to Echinococcus granulosus in 122 wild boar hunters in southern Italy and their 208 auxiliary hunting dogs. The goal was to evaluate both the hunters' risk of infection and the role their dogs play as reservoirs for the parasite.

The study involved blood and serum testing for hunters, who were also asked to complete a questionnaire to gauge their knowledge of the infection. Additionally, faecal samples from the hunting dogs were screened for Taeniidae eggs, the family of parasites that includes Echinococcus.

Key Findings: Hunters and Their Dogs at Risk

• Human Exposure: Six hunters (4.9%) tested positive or borderline for Echinococcus IgG antibodies, indicating exposure to the parasite. One hunter had a calcified hepatic cyst, a serious manifestation of the infection.

• Dogs as Reservoirs: Parasitic eggs were found in the faecal samples of 6.3% of the hunting dogs, and two dogs tested positive for Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto through molecular identification.

• Risk Factors: Hunters living in rural areas with animals present near their homes were at higher risk of exposure. The study also highlighted a significant lack of awareness among hunters about the parasite’s life cycle and the dangers it poses to humans and animals.

Implications: A Call for Increased Awareness and Health Surveillance The findings underscore the need for greater health surveillance and educational programs targeted at the hunting community. With hunters and their dogs acting as potential bridges for the parasite between wildlife and urban areas, there is a real risk of increasing the spread of this neglected tropical disease.

Conclusion: Protecting Hunters from Hidden Parasites This study serves as a stark reminder that hunters, particularly those in endemic regions, are at risk of exposure to dangerous parasites like Echinococcus granulosus. By raising awareness and promoting preventive measures, the risk of infection can be minimized, protecting both hunters and the broader community from this hidden health threat.

As wild boar hunting continues to grow in popularity, so too does the need to educate hunters about the parasites they might encounter—and the simple steps they can take to stay safe.

Read full study: Echinococcus granulosus complex infection in wild boar hunters and auxiliary hunting dogs