Muskox Lungworm

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What causes muskox lungworm infections?

Muskox lungworm is a caused by a roundworm called Umingmakstrongylus pallikuukensis.

Lifecycle: The lungworm needs two hosts: a muskox and a gastropod (snail or slug). Adult worms are found in the lungs of the muskox where they lay eggs that hatch into larvae. The larvae are coughed up, swallowed, and passed in the muskox’s droppings. The larvae are taken up by snails where they develop into an infective stage. The snails are eaten by muskoxen when feeding on plants. The larvae penetrate the intestines of the muskox and travel to the lungs where they develop into adult worms.

Section of a lung of a muskox infected with muskox lungworm. Photo credit: S. Kutz, University of Saskatchewan/Research Group on Arctic Parasitology

Where do muskox lungworm infections occur?

In the NWT and Nunavut, this lungworm only occurs in muskoxen in the Kugluktuk (Rae-Richardson River) region and the surrounding area.

What are the signs of lungworm infection?

Muskoxen usually appear healthy.

Older muskoxen that are heavily infected by lungworms tire more easily, may have difficulty breathing and cannot run well.

There may also be slight bleeding from the nose after an animal has been running.

Adult lungworms and their eggs and larvae are found in large (1-4 cm), well-defined cysts in the lungs.

Heavily infected muskoxen may have over a hundred of these cysts in one lung.

How can I protect myself?

You cannot become infected by muskox lungworms.

Can I eat the meat?

Meat from infected animals is suitable for human consumption.

Samples to collect

Adult worms and/or parts of lungs with cysts, droppings.