engleski

Prevalence and seasonal distribution of helminth parasites in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from the Zagreb County (Croatia)

During three four-month periods of 1999, the prevalence of endoparasites was assessed in 85 foxes from the Zagreb County. Six nematode species, two cestode species, and two trematode species were identified. The highest proportion of foxes was infected with nematodes, the lowest with trematodes. Toxocara canis, Crenosoma vulpis, Uncinaria stenocephala and Taenia sp. were found in > 20%, and other recorded helminths including Capillaria aerophila, Capillaria plica, Angiostrongylus vasorum and Mesocestoides sp. in < 5% of the foxes examined. A maximum of four helminths species were found to coexist in the studied foxes. The number of helminths in the foxes showed significant seasonal variation (p < 0.05). Differences in the number of helminths with a direct developmental cycle recorded in three four month periods of the year were statistically significant (p < 0.001). The occurrence of Uncinaria stenocephala showed seasonal variation, with the highest prevalence at the end of the year. These differences were statistically significant (p < 0.001). The results point to a major role of climatic characteristics on the prevalence and intensity of endoparasite infection in foxes, which are a potential reservoir of invasion for both wild and domestic animals as well as for man.

fox; helminths; epidemiology; season; County of Zagreb; Croatia

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