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Abstract
An epidemiological study of intestinal helminths in 843 foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from
southern England revealed the presence of 13 parasite species: five nematodes--Toxocara
canis (prevalence 55.9%), Toxascaris leonina (1.5%), Uncinaria stenocephala (68.0%),
Trichuris vulpis (0.5%) and Capillaria aerophila (0.2%); four cestodes--Taenia pisiformis
(13.8%), Taenia hydatigena (2.5%), Echinococcus granulosus (0.1%) and Dipylidium caninum
(3.8%); two trematodes--Brachylaima recurva (2.9%) and Cryptocotyle lingua (2.3%);
two acanthocephalans--Prosthorhynchus transversus (0.7%) and Macracanthorhynchus catulinus
(0.1%). Trichuris vulpis, Brachylaima recurva, Macracanthorhynchus catulinus and Prosthorhynchus
transversus are new host records for the UK. Results are discussed with reference
to variations in the diets of urban and rural foxes and to their potential as reservoir
hosts for helminths of medical and veterinary importance.