Trichinella britovi in foxes in The Netherlands

J Parasitol. 1998 Oct;84(5):1065-8.

Abstract

An overall prevalence of 3.9% of Trichinella infection was observed in the fox population in The Netherlands. Random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis of individual muscle larvae demonstrated the presence of Trichinella britovi. This is the first report of T. britovi, etiological agent of sylvatic trichinellosis, in one of the most densely populated countries in Europe and, consequently, the occurrence of cannibalism and scavenger behavior of foxes in areas with a high human population density. The presence of T. britovi in the fox population in these areas appears to be without consequences for commercial pig farming.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Wild
  • DNA, Helminth / analysis
  • Forelimb
  • Foxes / parasitology*
  • Humans
  • Larva
  • Muscle, Skeletal / parasitology
  • Netherlands / epidemiology
  • Prevalence
  • Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA Technique / veterinary
  • Trichinella / classification
  • Trichinella / genetics
  • Trichinella / isolation & purification*
  • Trichinellosis / epidemiology
  • Trichinellosis / veterinary*

Substances

  • DNA, Helminth