The fox tapeworm appears to have established itself in the Pacific Northwest as a case has been identified in Pullman.
According to a Washington State University press release a 9 week old sick fox kit found on campus was brought to the institution’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital where it died. The Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory on campus conducted a necropsy and found that the fox was infected with the parasite. That diagnosis coupled with a study finding fox tapeworm widespread in the Puget Sound Region leads researchers to believe the parasite is now established here in the Northwest.
The parasite commonly carried by foxes can be passed to dogs and on rare occasions can cause severe illness in humans. It’s spread through contact with feces or feces contaminated soil. Symptoms can take years to develop and don’t often emerge until significant liver damage has occurred.
WSU researchers are advising the public to avoid contact with wild animal feces. Dog owners should keep their pets from eating rodents.
The fox tapeworm is common in parts of Europe, Asia and other locations in North America.
