The prevalance of Echinococcus multilocularis in foxes in Limburg 2002-2003

This report describes a survey carried out between January 2002 and March 2003 to determine the prevalence of Echinococcus multilocularis in the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) in the province of Limburg, the Netherlands. Echinococcus multilocularis is the causative agent of alveolar echinococcosis, a very serious life threatening disease in humans. Baseline prevalence data are important for obtaining better insight into the possible spread of the parasite Echinococcus multiocularis in time and into the potential risk to public health. Echinococcus multilocularis was detected in foxes for the first time in Limburg, as recorded in a previous study carried out from 1996 to 1998. In the survey documented here, carried out between January 2002 and March 2003, 196 foxes from the southern part of Limburg were tested using microscopy and PCR. The prevalence of the parasite was estimated at 12.6% (7.6-16.6% with a 95% confidence interval). Results confirm the previous findings that Echinococcus multilocularis was detected in foxes in the same geographical area, but now the parasite is also detected in the northernmost border of the tested area. Spatial analysis shows a decreasing prevalence from south to north. Furthermore, the number of adult parasites per fox were higher compared to the previous study. This indicates that the parasite may be become an increasing problem in Limburg.