pdf Pandora’s fox? Overview of zoonotic agents carried by Arctic foxes Popular

Eva Myskova
Centre for Polar Ecology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice
Ditrich Oleg, Centre for Polar Ecology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice,České Budějovice, Czech Republic 

Intestinal parasites are not usually perceived as the most evil creatures on the planet although exceptions exist. Certainly, they do not make our lives easier if contracted as an infection nor they help with efforts in the wildlife conservation programs and especially when it comes to parasites transmitted between human and the wildlife. Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus), one of the major predators in the Arctic, is a potential source of intestinal parasites that could endanger people and dogs alike. Most common inhabitants of its intestinal tract are Toxascaris leonina, Trichuris vulpis and Eucoleus aerophilus and all three of them have a zoonotic potential. In addition, the list of parasites inhabiting foxes entrails that could be harmful not only to them is still incomplete. Furthermore, the matter is aggravated by dogs living in close proximity to humans that can cause a spread of diseases and increase the chance of transmission.