THE PREVALENCE OF ECHINOCOCCUS-MULTILOCUL ARIS IN RED FOXES (VULPES-VULPES) IN SOUTHERN BAVARIA

Between February 1989 and March 1992, 241 foxes from the country of Ga rmisch-Partenkirchen and four neighbouring townships in southern Bavar ia were examined for E. multilocularis. 67 foxes (27.8%) were infected . Although the fox population has increased in this area over recent y ears the prevalence of infection has declined. The prevalence was simi lar in both sexes, but greater in juveniles than in adults. A lower pr evalence has been recorded in forested and mountainous areas compared to that in lowland areas. The results of this study suggest that the v ole (Microtus arvalis) population can have a substantial influence on the prevalence as a result of this species being an intermediate host.