The importance of the New Zealand campaign against Echinococcus granulosus and Taenia hydatigena on the prevalence of Taenia ovis

Extract

An important aspect of the campaign in New Zealand directed against Echinococcus granulosus and Taenia hydatigena is its possible effect on the prevalence of Taenia ovis. The burying of offal to eliminate E. granulosus and T. hydatigena is recommended as being preferable to cooking it and feeding it to dogs. The drastic reduction in the number of European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in many districts has also virtually eliminated an important dog-food. Consequently, in addition to commercial products, many farmers are relying on more sheep carcass-meat than previously as a source of dog-food. Other things being equal, conditions would seem ideal for an increase in the prevalence of. T. ovis. This is particularly significant to New Zealand which depends so much on a meat export trade. Damage to this on account of T. ovis could in turn pre- judice a campaign directed against E. granulosus and T. hydatigena.