What can I do about fox tapeworm?

Fox tapeworm is transmitted to humans through the parasite’s eggs. These eggs are released into the environment in the faeces of foxes or of dogs eating mice and not properly dewormed. We recommend the following preventive measures: clean or cook fruit and vegetables, regularly deworm dogs to rid them of fox tapeworm, remove fox droppings from the garden.
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< questions | links >		 Fox tapeworm eggs are usually released into the environment in the faeces of infected foxes or of dogs that eat mice but have not been properly dewormed. Humans can acquire fox tapeworm disease by ingesting the eggs on unwashed food or dirty hands. We recommend the following preventive measures:
  • Wash berries, vegetables, salad and windfalls thoroughly before eating them.
  • Fox tapeworm eggs are not killed off when frozen. But there is no risk in eating cooked food.
  • Wash hands after close contact with the ground or soil (e.g. gardening).
  • Treat mouse-eating dogs every month with good deworming medicine (consult your vet).
  • Wash hands after touching dogs (infected dogs or dogs that roll in fox droppings may be carrying fox tapewrom eggs on their fur).
  • Pick up fox droppings in the garden with a inverted plastic bag and dispose of it with the household refuse (do not throw it on the compost heap or bury it).
  • Do not feed foxes or attract them with sources of food (uncovered compost, food for pets left out in the garden, etc.).
People worried about having come into contact with fox tapeworm eggs can ask their GP about a blood test.

For more information on fox tapeworm infection:
  • www.paras.uzh.ch/news/foxtapeworm.html
  • www.bvet.admin.ch/themen/02794/02829/02859/index.html?lang=de

Related questions
What is fox tapeworm?
How dangerous is fox tapeworm?
What should I do if I find fox droppings in my garden?


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