The fox tapeworm is only one to three millimeters long. However, it can cause severe liver disease in humans. So be careful when you collect wild garlic and the like.
The fox tapeworm is a small species of tapeworm that, according to specialist information, is only distributed in the northern hemisphere. The fox tapeworm occurs primarily in Central European countries and affects every third to fourth fox in Bavaria, for example. The capital Munich is also considered a fox tapeworm risk area, as there are many foxes there.
In addition to foxes, tapeworm can also affect dogs and cats. The fox tapeworm reproduces through its droppings, which are infested with mature eggs and are ingested via an intermediate host such as small rodents. Small larvae hatch from the eggs in their intestines. Since these migrate to the liver and massively multiply there, the tissue can be destroyed.
Clinical picture: how fox tapeworms affect humans and animals
(Photo: CC0 / Pixabay / marcelkessler)
Several years often elapse between the infection and the full picture of the disease, which often complicates the diagnosis. Since the larvae of the fox tapeworm mainly attack the liver and damage it with cysts, corresponding symptoms arise. People or animals suffering from echinococcosis often develop jaundice, have upper abdominal pain or notice it fatigueweight loss and a worse general condition.
Important: According to the RKI, echinococcosis is a notifiable disease. However, the disease does not spread from person to person. Nevertheless, an illness can have life-threatening consequences. Affected patients often have to take medication for life. Therefore, you should prevent infection with the fox tapeworm.
Avoid infection: be careful when you collect wild garlic & co.!
It is unclear exactly how humans become infected with the parasite eggs. But science suspects a connection between forest fruits and plants that could be contaminated with the excrement of the tapeworm. So you should take a few precautions when collecting wild garlic and the like:
- You should wash wild garlic and fruits that grow close to the ground with water before eating. The same applies to vegetables or berries from outdoor crops. Please note that deep-freezing is of little use here, as the fox tapeworm eggs only die at temperatures of around -80 degrees.
- If you want to be on the safe side, you can use the collected wild garlic in boiled form. This in turn has the advantage that you can store dry wild garlic longer than fresh ones.
- Some places are particularly risky because the fox tapeworm defecates there more often. Avoid if you eat fruit or collect wild garlici.e. crossroads, tree stumps or rocks.
- If you work in the forest or in the open field, wash your hands then thoroughly. In this way you minimize the risk of becoming infected with the fox tapeworm.
- You should also pay attention to a certain level of hygiene when dealing with your pets. You should wash your hands after handling dogs and cats. It is also appropriate to have the animals checked by the veterinarian at regular intervals to be dewormed.
- For garden owners: Roaming foxes should not be touched or fed independently. Fox droppings in the garden can be removed with a shovel, gloves and a small bag of dog droppings.
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