A systematic review and risk assessment of zoonotic pathogens carried by the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) in Europe.

Abstract

The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is a well-known host of several zoonotic pathogens and can play a role in their transmission to humans. Red foxes are widely distributed and live in various habitats. Over the last decades they have become common habitants of urban environments in Europe. This development is potentially enhancing the risk of zoonotic pathogen transmission from foxes to humans. However, an overview of carriership of zoonotic pathogens by the red fox, as well as a risk assessment are still lacking.

In this study scientific literature was systematically collected and reviewed in order to provide a complete overview of the zoonotic pathogens carried by the red fox in Europe. Also, a risk assessment of these pathogens was performed to estimate their risk for public health in the Netherlands. Furthermore, the prevalence of the zoonotic pathogens in red foxes sampled in different area types in Europe were compared.

A total of 364 scientific papers were included in the review. In all, 171 zoonotic pathogen species and genera were described in red foxes. The risk assessment resulted in a risk score ranking of these pathogens. First in this ranking, with by far the highest risk score, was Echinococcus multilocularis. Comparison of prevalence for different area types proved to be possible for only 12 pathogens, due to the lack of adequate data for the vast majority of pathogens; definitive conclusions are therefore difficult to draw.

In conclusion, the red fox can carry a broad variety of zoonotic pathogens. The risk assessment can be used to prioritize pathogens for future research and surveillance programs. To improve public health, future research and surveillance will provide high quality data, better the risk assessment and enable a valid estimate of prevalence for different area types.