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Aster yellows and aster leafhopper

Description

Aster yellows is a phytoplasma organism. Phytoplasmas are specialized wall-less bacteria that are parasites known only to multiply in plant phloem tissue and insect vectors. There are 28 groups... More ≫

Description

Aster yellows is a phytoplasma organism. Phytoplasmas are specialized wall-less bacteria that are parasites known only to multiply in plant phloem tissue and insect vectors. There are 28 groups of phytoplasmas worldwide and seven known groups in Canada. In Canada, approximately 20 insect species can transmit aster yellows to more than 200 plant species. In Alberta, the most common insect vector is the aster leafhopper (Macrosteles quadrilineatus), also known as the six-spotted leafhopper. The leafhopper species Amplicephalus inimicus is also an important aster yellows vector in cereals.

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Wildlife & human health in Alberta

Description

Very few human health risks are present in fishes and wildlife in Alberta. Careful handling of wild game and thorough washing, cooking and freezing also reduces the risk of human infection. Anyone... More ≫

Description

Very few human health risks are present in fishes and wildlife in Alberta. Careful handling of wild game and thorough washing, cooking and freezing also reduces the risk of human infection. Anyone who finds something that looks unusual in harvested fish or wildlife can contact our Fish and Wildlife offices for more information.

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Parasites in dogs : tapeworms

Description

Tapeworms are parasites that require a host and live in the digestive tract of all groups of vertebrates. Dogs harbour several different tapeworms in their intestines. Depending on the species of... More ≫

Description

Tapeworms are parasites that require a host and live in the digestive tract of all groups of vertebrates. Dogs harbour several different tapeworms in their intestines. Depending on the species of tapeworm, the adult stage can range in length from a few millimetres to 20 metres. The larval stages of the tapeworms develop in various intermediate hosts and are the source of infection to dogs.

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Coccidiosis in cattle

Description

Coccidiosis is a common parasitic protozoan disease of cattle, particularly weaned calves, in Alberta. Bovine coccidiosis is seen most frequently in calves that are three weeks to six months of... More ≫

Description

Coccidiosis is a common parasitic protozoan disease of cattle, particularly weaned calves, in Alberta. Bovine coccidiosis is seen most frequently in calves that are three weeks to six months of age. Calves become infected when placed on pastures or lots contaminated by older cattle or other infected calves. Mature cattle may become infected when they are brought in from pastures and crowded into feedlots or barns. At least nine species of coccidia occur in Alberta cattle, but only two, Eimeria zuernii and Eimeria bovis, cause severe clinical disease. To a lesser extent, Eimeria alabamensis also can cause clinical disease. The prevalence of the different species of coccidia can vary considerably between farms, regions, seasons and age groups.

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Balantidium in swine

Description

The disease balantidiasis is an example of a zoonotic waterborne infection. The protozoan causing the infection, Balantidium coli, is common in swine worldwide in warm and temperate climates, but... More ≫

Description

The disease balantidiasis is an example of a zoonotic waterborne infection. The protozoan causing the infection, Balantidium coli, is common in swine worldwide in warm and temperate climates, but is rarely reported in Canada. Although there appears to be little risk of acquiring B. coli in Canada, producers should be aware of the disease and its effects on their animals and themselves. The prevalence of balantidiasis in Canada is not known precisely since it is not a reportable disease in people, and few surveys have been conducted to determine its prevalence in swine.

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Bladder-worm (beef measles) in cattle

Description

In cattle, the parasite Cysticercus bovis is commonly called bladder-worm or beef measles. This parasite is actually the larvae of the human tapeworm, Taenia saginata. The prevalence of... More ≫

Description

In cattle, the parasite Cysticercus bovis is commonly called bladder-worm or beef measles. This parasite is actually the larvae of the human tapeworm, Taenia saginata. The prevalence of cysticercosis in cattle in Canada is very low. When outbreaks occur, they are usually associated with a human carrier who has had close contact with cattle or cattle feed.

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Fish tapeworm in man

Description

Many parasites infect fish, but only a few such as the broad tapeworm, Diphyllobothrium spp., occasionally infect man. The larval stage of these parasites develops in fish while the adults develop... More ≫

Description

Many parasites infect fish, but only a few such as the broad tapeworm, Diphyllobothrium spp., occasionally infect man. The larval stage of these parasites develops in fish while the adults develop in various fish-eating mammals, marine mammals or fish-eating birds. The best known species in this group, D. latum, is the longest tapeworm in man, reaching a length of 10 meters. This parasite is found worldwide and is common in countries where raw or undercooked fish is eaten.

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Mange in cattle : demodectic mange

Description

Demodectic mange is caused by a microscopic mite, Demodex bovis, which lives in hair follicles and associated glands of cattle. Infestation with Demodex is common in cattle. Some 10 to 15 per cent... More ≫

Description

Demodectic mange is caused by a microscopic mite, Demodex bovis, which lives in hair follicles and associated glands of cattle. Infestation with Demodex is common in cattle. Some 10 to 15 per cent of the cattle in Alberta have Demodex, but most do not develop signs of mange.

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Sarcoptic mange in cattle

Description

Sarcoptic mange, or barn itch, is a disease caused by the parasitic mite, Sarcoptes scabiei. Mange produced by this mite can be severe because the mite burrows deeply into the skin, causing... More ≫

Description

Sarcoptic mange, or barn itch, is a disease caused by the parasitic mite, Sarcoptes scabiei. Mange produced by this mite can be severe because the mite burrows deeply into the skin, causing intense itching. Cattle affected by sarcoptic mange lose grazing time and do not gain weight as rapidly as do uninfected cattle.

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Tapeworms (cysticercosis) in swine

Description

Cysticercosis is an infection caused by the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium. This parasite is found worldwide and is common in countries where raw or undercooked pork is eaten. Although incidences of... More ≫

Description

Cysticercosis is an infection caused by the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium. This parasite is found worldwide and is common in countries where raw or undercooked pork is eaten. Although incidences of infection are extremely rare in Canadian and American swine herds, over 1,000 human cases of cysticercosis are reported annually in the United States. Many of these human cases result after travel outside Canada and the United States.

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