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The role of foxes Vulpes vulpes in the epidemiology of Echinococcus granulosus in urban environments
Author(s) -
Jenkins David J,
Craig Natalie A
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
medical journal of australia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.904
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1326-5377
pISSN - 0025-729X
DOI - 10.5694/j.1326-5377.1992.tb141276.x
Subject(s) - echinococcus granulosus , vulpes , helminths , biology , echinococcus , veterinary medicine , zoology , echinococcosis , ecology , predation , medicine
Objective To survey the prevalence of intestinal worms, particularly Echinococcus granulosus , in foxes in Canberra. Design The locations of foxes seen in Canberra during this study were recorded. Foxes and macropod marsupials killed on the roads of Canberra were collected and examined for the presence of intestinal helminths and hydatid cysts respectively. Method The intestinal contents of the foxes were washed through a fine sieve and examined microscopically. All helminths recovered were collected and identified. All the internal organs of the macropods were examined for any cystic lesions. Results Forty‐five foxes and 44 macropods were examined. Echinococcus granulosus was found in three of the foxes (7%). Hydatid cysts were not found in the internal organs of any of the macropods examined. Conclusions Echinococcus granulosus is present in the urban fox population of Canberra. This hitherto unreported aspect of the epidemiology of E. granulosus in Australia could be a potential public health risk to urban populations.