In the present study, 115 stray dogs (56 males and 59 females, mixed breed), 86 golden
jackal (Canis aureus, 42 males and 44 females), 60 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes, 33 males
and 27 females), and three female wolves (Canis lupus) were examined for Echinococcus
granulosus infection, as well as, 32,898 sheep, 10,691 goats, 15,779 cattle and 659
buffaloes for hydatid infection from five provinces in western Iran during 3 years
(1997-2000). Meanwhile fertility rates of different types and forms of cysts isolated
from infected animals and the viability of protoscolices were also determined. Results
indicated that 19.1% of the dogs, 2.3% of the golden jackals and 5% of the red foxes
were infected with Echinococcus granulosus. 11.1% of the sheep, 6.3% of the goats,
16.4% of the cattle and 12.4% of the buffaloes were also found to be infected with
hydatid cyst. The cysts isolated from liver and lungs of the sheep show higher fertility
rate than the cysts of liver and lungs of goats, cattle and buffaloes.