Epidemiologic and zoogeographic studies on Trichinella nativa in arctic fox, Alopex lagopus, in Greenland

Studies were carried out on the prevalence of Trichinella nativa in 266 arctic foxes, Alopex lagopus, in Greenland. Infection intensity was determined by digestion of muscle samples from each fox. Sixteen foxes (6%) were found to be infected. Highest prevalence was found in foxes from Northern (9%) and Eastern (35%) Greenland, where polar bear is traditionally hunted and sledge dogs are common. In these areas, the average age of infected animals was found to be significantly higher (4.1 yr) than that of all animals examined (2.6 yr). No positive animals were found in the southern parts of West Greenland. Prevalence increased with age of the foxes. The number of muscle larvae varied considerably among the foxes (0.1-148.2 larvae/g), the highest values being found in juveniles. No significant differences in larval burdens or prevalence between male and female or between blue and while foxes could be demonstrated. No differences in the body weight between infected and noninfected foxes was demonstrated.