The parasite dwarf tapeworm, which affects foxes, has been established in Uppsala. Thus, there are three areas in the country where the dwarf tapeworm has taken hold. In addition to Uppsala, an area northeast of Uddevalla and an area south of Gnesta have been affected.
The National Veterinary Institute (SVA) is now preparing a pilot study to deworm foxes in an established area.
"Although the risk of infection is very low, it gives a serious disease to the people who are affected. When the parasite occurs in larger communities, it is also more people who are exposed to the risk of infection", says Erik Ågren, state veterinarian at SVA, in a press release.
The dwarf tapeworm's larvae develop into tapeworms in the intestines of foxes or dogs, but neither fox nor dog becomes ill from the tapeworm.
