[2] The lifecycle of E. granulosus involves dogs and wild carnivores as a definitive host for the adult tapeworm.

[4] Communities that practice sheep farming experience the highest risk to humans,[4] but wild animals can also serve as an avenue for transmission.

[4] Sled dogs may expose moose or reindeer to E. granulosus in parts of North America and Eurasia.

[5] Echinococcus granulosus is ingested and attaches to the mucosa of the intestines in the definitive host and there the parasite will grow into the adult stages.

[8] The cyst can cause pressure on surrounding tissue which may lead to abnormal organ function, spontaneous fracture of bones, and other neurological effects.

[6] The immunity of both the definitive and intermediate host plays a large role in the transmission of the parasite, as well as the contact rate between the intermediate and the definitive host (such as herding dogs and pasture animals being kept in close proximity where dogs can contaminate grazing areas with fecal matter).

[4] The life expectancy of the parasite, coupled with the frequency of anthelminthic treatments, will also play a role in the rate of infection within a host.

[9] The prevalence of Echinococcus granulosus was found to be 4.35% in a 2008 study in Bangalore, India[10] employing this coproantigen detection technique.

However, in recent years, less invasive treatments have been developed such as cyst puncture, aspiration of the liquids, the injection of chemicals, and then re-aspiration.

[3] Proper disposal of carcasses and offal after home slaughter is difficult in poor and remote communities and therefore dogs readily have access to offal from livestock, thus completing the parasite cycle of Echinococcus granulosus and putting communities at risk of cystic echinococcosis.

Boiling livers and lungs which contain hydatid cysts for 30 minutes has been proposed as a simple, efficient and energy- and time-saving way to kill the infectious larvae.