Detection of Echinococcus multilocularis in foxes in the Netherlands

Echinococcus multilocularis was demonstrated in 5 out of 272 foxes in The N etherlands close to the border with Germany and Belgium. Besides microscopi c examination of mucosal scrapings, two different PCR assays were used base d on the detection of E. multilocularis DNA in colon content. Two distinct areas in The Netherlands were positive for E. multilocularis. Two positive foxes were found in the northern province of Groningen and three positive f oxes were found in the southern province of Limbug. Both PCR assays detecte d more positive foxes compared to microscopic examination of the intestinal content. This is the first report of E. multilocularis in foxes occurring in The Netherlands. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.