Wolves bring Hydatid to Grand County, Violating the Lacey Act

Wolves Introduced to Colorado Test Positive for Hydatid Disease

Wolves relocated from Oregon to Colorado have tested positive for Hydatid disease, a parasitic infection caused by a tapeworm that cycles between wild carnivores and grazing animals. This disease can spread quickly across large landscapes, raising concerns for wildlife, livestock, pets, and even people.

Earlier this year, Colorado ranchers collected wolf feces from their properties and submitted samples for testing at Kansas State University. The official reports confirmed the presence of Hydatid tapeworms. More recently, secret recordings related to Colorado’s wolf program have surfaced, fueling fears of misinformation and lack of transparency.

Possible Violation of the Lacey Act

The findings also raise questions about whether Colorado’s wolf introduction program violates the Lacey Act—a federal law designed to prevent the transport of wildlife known to carry dangerous diseases such as rabies, distemper, and Hydatid tapeworms. The Act also regulates the importation of potentially harmful species to protect U.S. ecosystems, livestock, and public health.

If wolves were knowingly relocated into Colorado while carrying this parasite, the decision may conflict with the Lacey Act’s intent. This leaves many asking:

Will the State of Colorado take action to remove infected wolves and prevent further spread of disease?

Why Hydatid Disease Matters

Hydatid disease is a serious threat. The parasite’s eggs are shed in wolf feces and can contaminate soil, water, and plants. When grazing animals like deer, elk, sheep, or moose ingest the eggs, they develop fluid-filled cysts in vital organs. These cysts weaken or kill wildlife and livestock, reducing herd health and productivity.

The risk doesn’t stop there—humans and pets can also become infected. In people, cysts may remain hidden for years before causing severe, sometimes fatal complications when they rupture or press on organs.

Bottom line: The presence of Hydatid disease in Colorado’s wolves raises urgent questions of law, transparency, and public safety. Policymakers, ranchers, and residents alike must now consider the potential consequences of introducing diseased predators into the state.