[Echinococcus multilocularis in red foxes in Saxony-Anhalt: identification of areas of increased risk of infestation and association of the infestation probability with the average annual maximum temperature]

Berl Munch Tierarztl Wochenschr. 2005 Sep-Oct;118(9-10):404-9.
[Article in German]

Abstract

Between 1998 and 2004 1341 Red Foxes from 611 locations were examined parasitologically for Echinococcus multilocularis at the State Office of Consumer Protection Saxony-Anhalt. Examination was carried out in parallel to rabies monitoring. A period-prevalence of 9.2% of infestation was found. Employing a Scan Statistic a large area in the southwest of the federal state and two smaller areas of increased risk with respect to infestation with Echinococcus multilocularis were identified. The hypothesis of a negative association of the probability of infestation with the average annual maximum temperature of the location where the foxes were shot was supported by logistic regression analysis. A decreased probability of inactivation of Echinococcus multilocularis-oncospheres through heat and desiccation in areas of lower average annual maximum temperature seems to be likely.Thus, the infection pressure increases with reduced temperatures.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cluster Analysis
  • Echinococcosis / epidemiology
  • Echinococcosis / veterinary*
  • Echinococcus multilocularis / isolation & purification*
  • Foxes / parasitology*
  • Germany
  • Logistic Models
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors
  • Seasons
  • Temperature