Epidemiological studies on intestinal helminth parasites of rural and urban red foxes ( Vulpes vulpes) in the United Kingdom

Abstract

An epidemiological study of intestinal helminths in 843 foxes ( Vulpes vulpes) from southern England revealed the presence of 13 parasite species: five nematodes— Toxocara canis (prevalence 55.9%), Toxascaris leonina (1.5%), Uncinaria stenocephala (68.0%), Trichuris vulpis (0.5%) and Capillaria aerophila (0.2%); four cestodes— Taenia pisiformis (13.8%), Taenia hydatigena (2.5%), Echinococcus granulosus (0.1%) and Dipylidium caninum (3.8%); two trematodes— Brachylaima recurva (2.9%) and Cryptocotyle lingua (2.3%); two acanthocephalans— Prosthorhynchus transversus (0.7%) and Macracanthorhynchus catulinus (0.1%). Trichuris vulpis, Brachylaima recurva, Macracanthorhynchus catulinus and Prosthorhynchus transversus are new host records for the UK. Results are discussed with reference to variations in the diets of urban and rural foxes and to their potential as reservoir hosts for helminths of medical and veterinary importance.