The Helminth Community of the Red Fox, Vulpes Vulpes, In Dunas de Mira (Portugal) and its effect on host condition

The analysis of 62 foxes collected by hunters between 2000 and 2006 revealed that the helminth community of the red fox in Dunas de Mira is composed by 20 species. Over 90% of the foxes were parasitized and a maximum of 8 species was recorded in an individual fox. The overall mean species richness was 2.7. The component species were Uncinaria stenocephala (77.4%), Toxocara canis (37.1%), Mesocestoides spp. (30.7%), Alaria alata (27.4%), Ascocotyle longa(24.2%), Angiostrongylus vasorum (16.1%), and Spirocerca lupi (12.9%). Ascocotyle longa presented the highest mean intensity (268.5). The prevalence of U. stenocephala in males (86.8%) was significantly higher than that found infemales (62.5%). The measures of host body condition indicate an overall KFI of 1.42 with male foxes presenting relatively lower KFI values than females (1.37 and 1.52, respectively). The infection by T. canis, Mesocestoides spp., and both T. canis and U. stenocephala produced significant effects upon host condition. The component species are discussed considering the red fox diet in the study area, their relationship with a lowered host condition and their possible transmission to humans.