REGISTRATION OF DOGS

Opotiki News, Volume II, Issue 132, 11 January 1939, Page 3

REGISTRATION OF DOGS

PREVENTION OF HYDATIDS ■ ' t COMPULSORY DOSING NEW REGULATION IN FORCE y New regulations in connection with the registration of dogs are in force, and when the dog owners of Opotiki • and district pay their license fee they will b© required to add an extra Is to the usual amount. The additional Is is for the supply of arecoluie hydro-bromide for the /dosing of dogs as a preventative for hydatids. Not only is the hydatid disease a cause of loss to farmers through depreciation in the value of sheep and cattle, but it is a danger to human beings, who stand considerable risk of infection. Afore than 1000 men, women and children have been treated for hydatids' in the Dominion during the past 10 years, and there have been 126 deaths. In most cases' surgical operation is the only hope of cure. Supply of Medicine.

It is for the purpose otf preventing the spread of the disease that with each registration the dog on ner is required to purchase a supply of tablets for the dosing of dogs. The tablets are designed to; destroy the worms that convey, the disease to man and farm stock. The disease starts with tiny tapeworms getting into the dogs, usually country dogs which eat raw offal. Microscopic eggs cf these worms are in countless numbers in dogs’ droppings, and as these are scattered there is a danger of contamination of grass and water supplies, resulting in the infection of stock and sometimes humans. Flies also mav spread the infection to foodstuffs. while the handling of animals is a likely cause of infection. Full directions for use are issued with each issue of the medicine. Each dog owner is required to pay tor and accept the medicine, and unless tuis is done the dog is regarded as unregistered. while in the inteiesis ai themselves and the rest of the community, owners are urged to see iliac the directions for use are faith! uh» carried out. The registration of dogs m Gisborne and district for the now vear has been commenced.