Tierro Del Fuego, Chile
Background
Hydatid disease, or hydatidosis, is a neglected parasitic disease that causes cystic echinococcosis in humans infected with the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus.
Over one million people worldwide are affected with echinococcosis at any one time, and approximately three billion US dollars are spent every year for treatments and livestock industry compensation.
In humans, the disease can be expensive and complicated to treat, sometimes requiring extensive surgery and/or prolonged drug therapy. Cystic echinococcosis is globally distributed, with highly endemic areas at the southern tip of South America.
Impact
As part of a global health fellowship funded by the National Institute of Health’s Fogarty International Center, we focused on revealing infection prevalences of E. granulosus in hosts of the parasite (dogs, foxes) and the impacts of hydatid disease on target populations (humans, sheep) on the island of Tierra del Fuego, Chile.
This investigation will shed light on an extremely relevant and complex health issue involving many key stakeholders, including advocates of human health, animal health, and the conservation of native species.
Covelo Program Background
Covelo is a town in Mendocino County, California located in the Round Valley Indian Reservation. With the transportation and financial constraints, most of the animals in Covelo have limited to no access to veterinary care. Over the years, the town has struggled with pet overpopulation, evident in the presence of dog packs and discarded puppies and kittens.
Program Dates: January 2024
Our Work
With the help and support of Covelo's local nonprofit organization, Bones Pet Rescue, we can organize 2-3 field clinics a year where we provide vaccinations, dewormers, spay & neuter surgeries, and other treatments to the animals of Covelo.
Our efforts in Covelo improve the health and welfare of the animals by educating the community and providing veterinary services.
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