HYDATID INCIDENCE IS REDUCED

Taupo Times, Volume XIV, Issue 62, 10 August 1965, Page 10

HYDATID INCIDENCE IS REDUCED

Results available to date for the latest round of dog dosing in the Taupo district shpw a reductlon In the incidence when compared with the same period last year — 8 per cent. against 12.1 per cent. This 8 per cent. is made up of 1.8 per cent. true hydatids (transmittable to man) and 6.1 per cent. false hydatids (which causes considerable loss of lamb livers to the overseas market). Faulty procedure and meat inspection at the killin g shed is still believed to

be the main cause of infection. There are also f alta© many dead carcasses being permitted to remain unburied on farms in the area and sorne of the hydatid eradication effort must be directed toward eliminating this source of infection in the near future. Dog control is also sadly lacking and many cwners of infected dogs wouid have a clean sheet if they expended a little more effort in confining or tying their dogs up when not in use. Plans of approved slaughter houses, dog kennels and

advice on offal treatment and disposal methods are available from the hydatid control officer. He is also prepared to assist dog owners seeking information on feeding and gjneral all round care of their animals. Enquiries should bc directed to him at the Taupo County office, P.O. Box 128, or 'phone 119 Taupo. It is planned to extend the hydatid education work this year by visiting all primary schools (Form II. level) in the county and borough with a film and some colour slides on hydatids.