Jet set pets: examining the zoonosis risk in animal import and travel across the European Union

Fooks, Anthony R; Johnson, Nicholas

To avoid importation of the E. multilocularis tapeworm, pets entering the UK following harmonization of pet movements in 2012 are still required to be treated with praziquantel 24-120 hours prior to entry. This broad-spectrum treatment is highly effective against a range of intestinal parasites. Other disease-free countries, including Finland, Ireland, and Malta, also retain this control measure. A further concern in the UK is the large urban fox population that, if infected with E. multilocularis, could more effectively contaminate areas frequented by humans and domestic dogs. Evidence from Japan, Switzerland, and the USA indicate that urban foxes and coyotes are a major source of E. multilocularis in urban environments. [63] [64] [65] However, baiting with praziquantel has been tested as a means of reducing this risk. 66 Veterinary Medicine: Research and Reports 2015:6 submit your manuscript | www.dovepress.com