Echinococcus in red foxes

The zoonotic dwarf fox tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis has never been detected in mainland Norway.

The objective of the surveillance program is to document freedom of E. multilocularis (i.e. a prevalence below 1% at a confidence level of at least 95%) in mainland Norway.

 

2024

The prevalence of Echinococcus multilocularis (E. multilocularis) in definitive hosts (red fox, wolf) was investigate by analysing PCR results from faecal samples of 537 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) collected during the licensed fox-hunting season in 2024 and four grey wolves (Canis lupus) that were sampled in 2024. All samples tested negative. The absence of positive results for E. multilocularis, indicate that the prevalence in carnivore hosts (foxes and wolves) was below 1 % at a confidence level of at least 95 % as required to maintain the Echinococcus multilocularis-free status for mainland Norway.

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