Echinococcosis in Dogs in the Czech Republic

Abstract

In central Europe, foxes are principal definitive hosts of Echinococcus multilocularis. However, dogs may become definitive hosts too, and due to close contact with humans they may be the source of infection. We examined samples of dog faeces from the areas with high density of red foxes. The dogs were rigorously selected on the basis of specific individual history confirming predator habits and a possibility of free movement allowing the dogs to hunt for rodents. Samples of dog faeces were examined by ELISA detecting specific coproantigens Echinococcus spp. (CHEKIT -Echinotest, Bommeli, Switzerland). A total of 186 samples of dog faeces were examined with 15 positive cases detected (8.1%).