Echinococcus granulosus causes a neglected tropical disease (NTD) cystic echinococcosis of humans. The life cycle of this parasite involves both definitive and intermediate hosts. Humans become infected when they accidentally ingest eggs released from canids infected with adult tapeworms. This project achieves a genome of near-chromosomal contiguity and enables fundamental investigations of the molecular biology, biochemistry and genetics of this organism, and the development of improved diagnostic tools and drugs against cystic echinococcosis in humans.