To estimate the prevalence of Toxocara epp. egg in public beach, sand samples from 6 beaches located in Fujisawa and Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture, were investigated during September and December, 1994. Sand samples collected were dried thoroughly, sieved with stainless mesh, and examined for parasite eggs by centrifugal flotation method with sucrose solution ( S.G.; 1.2). Of the 142 sand samples examined, Toxocara spp. eggs were found in 3 samples (2%0 obtained from the two beaches. The prevalence of Toxocara spp. egg was lower in beaches than in public parks in the surrounding cities. The detected egg possessed thick shell and protein layer on the surfaces, but its ovum was denatured. The egg count in positive samples was 1 egg/100g sand. Dog feces that was left in the beaches was also exmained for parasite eggs by the flotation method. A Trichiris vulpis eggs was detected from 1 of 11 fecal samples collected from 4 beaches.

Key words: beaches; sand; Toxocara eggs; dog feces; Trichuris vulpis.