Control of Echinococcus multilocularis in Central Europe-- possibilities and limitations

Human alveolar echinococcosis is a life-threatening parasitic zoonosis which occurs in rare cases in Central Europe. It is caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus multilocularis. In this publication, strategies for the control of parasites of the genus Echinococcus are reviewed and discussed with regard to their applicability to E. multilocularis on the background of the epidemiological situation in Central Europe. First results of field studies are presented in which strategies based on the application of praziquantel-containing baits to foxes have been tried. Requirements concerning the surveillance of control measures are demonstrated and the limitations of the imaginable control strategies discussed.