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The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of fox tapeworm (Echinococcus multilocularis) in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) and to determine the environmental factors that promote the distribution of the parasite in Latvia. Between 2010 and 2015, a total of 538 red foxes and 407 raccoon dogs were examined. The prevalence of fox tapeworm was significantly higher in foxes (17.1%, infection intensity 1-7050 worms) compared to raccoon dogs (8.1%, 5-815 worms).

Bagrade G et al. (2016) Echinococcus multilocularis in foxes and raccoon dogs: an increasing concern for Baltic countries. Parasites & Vectors 9:615

The aim of the study was to assess the role of the American mink in the distribution of Trichinella species in Poland. A total of 812 muscle samples from minks from six wild populations and three farms were examined for the presence of Trichinella muscle larvae. Muscle larvae were found in 27 out of 812 animals (3.3%). The infection intensity ranged from 0.1 to 274.8 larvae per gram (lpg). Most of the Trichinella-positive American minks (15 animals, 55.6%) were infected with Trichinella britovi, one animal with T. spiralis, and another with T. pseudospiralis.

Hurníková Z et al. (2016) An invasive species as an additional parasite reservoir: Trichinella in introduced American mink (Neovison vison). Veterinary Parasitology 231:106-109

Trichinella (Trichinella spp., nematodes) parasitize in the muscle tissue of mammals (including humans), birds, and reptiles. Transmission to a new host occurs exclusively through the consumption of raw meat containing infectious larvae. In order to expand the knowledge about Trichinella in raccoon dogs, a study on their occurrence in Brandenburg was conducted. A total of 1527 raccoon dogs were examined between 2000 and 2014. On average, 1.9% of raccoon dogs tested positive for Trichinella. 90% of the positive animals were infected with Trichinella spiralis, with one animal each infected with Trichinella britovi and Trichinella pseudospiralis. In infected animals, the number of larvae found in muscle tissue ranged up to 235 larvae per gram.

Mayer-Scholl A et al. (2016) Study on the occurrence of Trichinella spp. in raccoon dogs in Brandenburg, Germany. Veterinary Parasitology 231:102-105