HYDATID DISEASE OF ANIMALS IN AUSTRALIA

SUMMARY: Echinococcus granulosus is maintained in a dog-sheep cycle in Australia and other infections, such as those in cattle, pigs and man, can be regarded as aberrant. The knowledge on infection rates in these species is summarised. The dog is the only definitive host in Australia and infection rates are correlated with areas of high sheep density, the area with the highest prevalence being the South-eastern Statistical Division of New South Wales. A dingo-wallaby feral cycle exists throughout the eastern States and can serve as a source of infection for grazing animals and man. The threat posed by the possible introduction of the equine strain is discussed.