The susceptibility of the European red fox (Vulpes vulpes) to infection with Echinococcus granulosus of Australian sheep origin.

A detailed comparative study was made of the development of Echinococcus granulosus of Australia sheep origin in European red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and dogs. No significant differences in growth, segmentation or maturation of the parasite between dogs or foxes was found, although worm burdens were slightly lower in foxes than in dogs. It is concluded that although the role of foxes in the epidemiology of hydatidosis in Australia may not be significant, foxes should nevertheless be regarded as potential definitive hosts of the Australian strains of E. granulosus.