The presence of Echinococcus multilocularis in the red fox (vulpes vulpes) in the Netherlands

Studies were undertaken to investigate the presence of Echinococcus multilocularis in foxes in the Netherlands from 1996 to 1998. Firstly, 272 foxes were tested that were shot close to the border with Germany and Belgium, areas that were considered to be of high risk. This study resulted in the establishment of two distinct areas in the Netherlands where E. multilocularis was found. Two positive foxes were found in the northern province of Groningen and 3 positive foxes were found in the southern province of Limburg. In order to investigate the spread of E. multilocularis, two other areas were investigated, the Veluwe and the coastal area of North and South Holland. A total of 181 foxes in these areas were tested. E. multilocularis was not detected in these animals. This is the first report of E. multilocularis in foxes occurring in the Netherlands