HYDATIDS CONTROL

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29931, 19 September 1962, Page 17

HYDATIDS CONTROL

Fann Killing Standards

Minimum standards for farm slaughtering places have been set by the National Hydatids Council. Further progress in the hydatids eradication campaign will be seriously handicapped unless all farm slaughtering arrangements are brought up to standard, says a statement from the council.

The initial high incidence of true hydatids in dogs has been reduced to fewer than one dog in 50, says the council, but the number of dogs carrying the “false” hydatid tapeworm is still comparatively high at one in 18.

The “false” hydatid tapeworm in a dog means the dog has access to raw offal. The dog which is repeatedly found to be carrying the “false” hydatid tapeworm is also the dog from the farm where killing facilities are not up to standard, says the council.

“If farmers follow the minimum home killing standards there is every reason to expect a more marked reduction in the incidence of tenuicollis cysts in sheep caused by the ‘false’ hydatid tapeworm in dogs. Liver losses as a result of this represent the main economic problem in the present campaign.” The minimum standards set by the council are:— A suitable arrangement for suspending the carcase over an impervious floor at least six feet square, and a sump into which this floor drains, the whole to be surrounded by a dog-proof fence and door at least seven feet high. A drum or container, cut to a convenient height, to be placed under the carcase to catch all offal when the carcase is opened and gutted. Any effluent from a slaughterhouse must be disposed of in such a way that dogs do not have access to it.

The council says all dogs must be tied up during slaughtering operations and until cleaning up is finished; the abdominal and pelvic cavities must be carefully inspected for tenuicollis cysts after gutting and any cysts placed with the offals; and particular care must be taken not to rupture cysts when dressing sheep. The council reminds farmers that favourable depreciation rates are now available for those who wish to install more elaborate and permanent killing facilities.