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.     

THE CONTROL OF HYDATID DISEASE IN TASMANIA

SUMMARY: The program for reduction of human incidence of hydatid disease in Tasmania is described. The program has been in progress since 1965. It is based on intensive education, directed particularly at owners of infested dogs.
Results up to 30th June, 1978, are presented. Prevalence in dogs has been reduced from 12.66% to 0.22%. Prevalence in young sheep has fallen from about 15% to 0.05%, and in aged sheep from over 50% to 3.4%. The incidence in man has fallen, although the extent of the fall is difficult to quantify because of the small number of human cases. It is suggested that new infestations of man may have ceased by about 1970.
The implications of the Tasmanian program for other Australian states are briefly discussed.