CONTROL OF HYDATIDS

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30426, 28 April 1964, Page 6

CONTROL OF HYDATIDS

Criticism In Wakefield Statements and statistics from the National Hydatids Council proved that after four years of strip dosing little progress had been made in .the greater part of New Zealand while in many areas the position was now worse, said Mr M. Wilkes on behalf on the Wakefield Federated Farmers’ hydatids committee in a statement to “The Press.” The committee accuses the National Hydatids Council of obstructing its efforts to institute new methods of not only controlling, but eradicating hydatids. The Wakefield scheme proposed that working and sporting dogs be dosed on the farm at six-weekly intervals, without the collection and testing of purges, and that that continue for 18 months. One round of dosing and testing on strips within a six-weekly period would follow, then a second. round of dosing and testing on strips within a four-monthly period. “In this way, fair comparisons could be made with the national scheme,” said the committee. “Authorities agree that six weeks is the optimum period which will prevent viable worm eggs being shed to re-contaminate pastures.” Referendum The committee brands the National Hydatids Council’s referendum giving dog owners the choice of either six-weekly dosing or strip dosing a “denial of democracy.” There were six conditions attached to the vote for six-weekly dosing, but none to the vote for strip dosing. Six-weekly dosing received 80 per cent of the votes cast, 14 per cent. favoured strip dosing, and 6 per cent were informal. About 50 per cent of dog owners abstained, and the council’s “preposterous” decision was that the Wakefield proposal was lost because only 38 per. cent of owners favoured it.

“They ignore the fact,’.’ said the committee, “that under this unique method of assessment a mere 7 per cent Voted for strip dosing”