EchinoRisk 2000: Risk assessment and prevention of alveolar echinococcosis.

• Research unit: EU RFP
• Project number: 00.0586-2

Key words (English)

Echinococcosis; epidemiology; spatial-explicit model;
Life Sciences; Medicine; Health; Safety; Scientific Research; Social Aspects

Alternative project number (English)

EU project number: QLK2-CT-2001-01995

Research programs (English)

EU-programme: 5. Frame Research Programme - 1.1.2 Control of infectious diseases

Short description (English)

See abstract

Partners and International Organizations (English)

Coordinator: Universität Ulm, Medizinische Fakultät (D)

Abstract (English)

Alveolar echinococcosis is caused by the 'fox tapeworm' Echinococcus multilocularis and is a potentially lethal disease in humans. It occurs regionally in various spots throughout Europe. Of concern is the spread of the parasite in fox populations to several European regions thought not to be demit but also the transmission of the parasite in urban areas as well as to dogs and cats.

Changes in population behaviour and migration have increased the exposure to infectious eggs of E. multilocularis and, therefore, the transmission risk for humans. By assessment of the status and the dynamics of transmission on a European scale the project aims to identify risk factors and to develop strategies for prevention and control. The implementation of appropriate communication tools will enable the public to achieve a realistic risk perception in different European countries.

References in databases (English)

Swiss Database: Euro-DB of the
State Secretariat for Education and Research
Hallwylstrasse 4
CH-3003 Berne, Switzerland
Tel. [phone]
Swiss Project-Number: 00.0586-2