Table 1.

Potential definitive and intermediate hosts of E. multilocularis in Europe (EFSA AHAW Panel, 2015)

Definitive hosts
Red fox (Vulpes vulpes)	Considered the main DH
Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus)	In Europe, only relevant in Svalbard (Norway)
Raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides), Wolf (Canis lupus), Golden jackal (Canis aureus)	In the presence of the red fox, they can act as DHs. There is no evidence supporting their ability to maintain the lifecycle in absence of the red fox
Domestic dog and wild cat (Felis s. silvestris)	Overall, the prevalence of dogs with the parasite is low. However, in experimental surveys, they become infected easily. On the contrary, cats hardly get infected experimentally, but their natural infection has been reported in numerous occasions. For both species, further information is needed
Intermediate hosts
Common vole (Microtus arvalis), field vole (Microtus agrestis), common pine vole (Microtus subterraneus), sibling vole (Microtus levis), bank voles (Myodes spp.), water voles (Arvicola spp.), snow vole (Chionomys nivalis), lemming (Lemmus lemmus)	Various species of voles are confirmed as suitable hosts. However, factors such as their population densities and predation rates may influence in their role in the cycle
Muridae (Apodemus spp., Mus spp., Rattus spp.), brown hare (Lepus europaeus), shrew (Sorex sp.)	Although some murid rodents, hares and shrews are susceptible, natural infections occur only sporadically
Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus), beaver (Castor spp.), nutria (Myocastor coypu), Alpine marmot (Marmota marmota)	Large rodents are susceptible hosts. Their role seems to be related to the dispersion of the parasite; e.g. through translocations (beaver)
Suids, horses and domestic dogs	Only accidental or refractory intermediate hosts