Hydatidosis/Echinococcosis an important zoonosis caused by metacestode
of the dog worm Echinococcus granulosus, is world wide in distribution
with both sylvatic and pastoral epidemiology.The parasite has an
indirect life cycle utilizing dogs and other canids as definitive hosts
and many herbivorous and omnivorous species, including wildlife and
domesticated livestock as intermediate hosts. E. granulosus has a number
of genetically distinct strains, which are known to differ
phenotypically and therefore has implications for its control. To date,
ten genotypes (G1 - G10) of E. granulosus have been identified using
molecular tools and the strain variation closely follow the parasite's
biological and phenotypic characteristics. Hydatidosis is also well
recognized zoonosis in Pakistan, affecting both human and his livestock,
various human cases has been reportedThis book highlights all diagnostic
techniques from basic to modern molecular tools for hydatidosis in
ruminants as well as in humans there are various techniques through
which this disease can be controlled