Hookworm Parasite
The hookworm Uncinaria stenocephala, which can be passed on to dogs, infects up to 68% of the fox population.
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Hookworms latch onto the intestinal wall and feed on blood, they live in the small intestine.
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In the UK they mainly affect dogs, with cat infections being very rare.
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Animals are infected by ingesting larvae, or a host containing infective larvae, which develop into adult hookworm in the intestine.
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In addition to this, larvae can penetrate skin and cause infection, usually of skin around the foot.
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Symptoms in intestinal infection may include diarrhoea, anaemia, anorexia and lethargy.
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In some parts of the world hookworm can also affect humans through a larval invasion of the skin, which usually occur in the skin of feet if walking in areas without shoes.
