Fox tapeworm: Attention when you collect wild garlic & Co.!

The fox tapeworm can trigger serious liver diseases in humans. However, if you consider some precautionary measures when collecting wild garlic and Co., the risk of infection remains minimal.

The fox tapeworm is a small type of tapeworm, which, according to the professional association of German internists, is only distributed in the northern hemisphere. The fox tapeworm occurs especially in Central European countries and, for example, affects every third to fourth fox in Bavaria. The capital of Munich is also considered a risk area because there are many foxes there.

The effect of fox tapeworms

In addition to foxes, the fox tapeworm can also affect dogs and cats. According to the Federal Ministry of Nutrition and Agriculture (BMEL), it increases through its mature eggs, which is absorbed through an intermediate host such as small rodents. In their intestine, small larvae hatch out of the eggs. Since they hike to the liver and multiply massively there, the tissue can be destroyed.

In humans, infection takes place by taking the eggs from the fox tapeworm worm carriers. This can be done by tight animal contact or contaminated food, according to the BMEL.

Disease picture: Which symptoms triggers a fox tapeworm?

There are often several years between the infection and the full screen of the disease, which often makes the diagnosis more difficult. Since the larvae of the fox tapeworm mainly affect the liver and damage them by cysts, corresponding symptoms are created. The symptoms are difficult to recognize from the outside.

People or animals suffer from this so -called echinococcosis,

• Develop jaundice often
• have pain in the upper abdomen
• Or notice fatigue, weight loss and a worse general condition.

Important: According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), Echinococcosis is a reportable disease. However, this does not transmit from person to person. According to the scientist, the exact transmission path is not yet cleared: inside the University of Würzburg.

Avoid the fox tapeworm and the associated symptoms

On average, there are 40 reports reported each year. This means that echinococcosis is a rare disease. Nevertheless, it can have life -threatening consequences. Affected patient: inside often have to take medication for life.

Therefore, you should prevent infection with the fox tapeworm. Forest fruits, mushrooms and plants could be contaminated with infected fox droppings. Finally, her role has not yet been clarified in the transfer of the fox tapeworm, according to the RKI. However, you should adhere to some precautionary measures if you collect wild garlic and Co.:

• Wash wild garlic and fruits that grow close to the ground, better off with hot water before eating. The same applies to vegetables or berries from outdoor cultures.
• Note that deep -freezing does not bring much here, since the eggs of the fox tapeworm only die at temperatures of about minus 80 degrees.
• If you want to be on the safe side, you can use the gathered wild garlic in a cooked form.

• Some places are particularly risky because the fox tapeworm there is more frequent. Avoid when you collect fruits or wild garlic, i.e. crossings, tree stumps or rocks.

• If you work in the forest or in the open field, then wash your hands thoroughly. This is how you minimize the risk of infecting yourself with the fox tapeworm.
• You should also pay attention to certain hygiene when dealing with your pets. After contacting dogs and cats, you should wash your hands. It is also appropriate to have the animals dewormingly dewormed at regular intervals.
• The following applies to garden owners: The following applies: Foxes leaning around should neither be touched nor fed. Fuchskot in the garden can be removed with the help of a shovel, gloves and a small dog droppings bag.