Cystic echinococcosis in donkeys in eastern Africa.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is endemic in humans and domestic animals in eastern Africa. All the species of the sensu lato complex have been reported in this region except for , possibly due to the small number of studies involving equids. This study reports the frequency of different species in donkeys from eastern Africa.

The potential role of roaming dogs in establishing a geographically novel life cycle of taeniids (Echinococcus spp. and Taenia spp.) in a non-endemic area.

Introduction: Cystic Echinococcosis (CE) is endemic in humans and livestock in many pastoral communities in Kenya. The distribution of the disease is enhanced by several factors, including livestock trade, which has allowed for the spread of CE to non-endemic areas such as western Kenya. Dogs' roaming behaviour, with consequent contamination of the environment with intestinal parasites, could then lead to parasite establishment.