Outbreak of hydatids in sheep

Press, 29 May 1981, Page 2

Outbreak of hydatids in sheep

An outbreak of hydatids in sheep has been reported in Kaikoura County.

The chairman of the Kaikoura County Council, Mr W. M. Dowle, reported to. the last council ’meeting that stock slaughtered at freezing works during the last three months had been infected. Sheep from 50 farms were infected, eight groups with true hydatids and 42 with Ovis “sheep measles.” A total of 122 sheep were found with true hydatids, including 108 ewes from one property. Another 320 had “sheep measles.” Mr Dowle blamed the outbreak on dog control. Some dogs were obviously fed or allowed access to raw meat, he said.

Councillors expressed concern about the effectiveness of hydatids control. A suggestion that the Ministry of Agriculture take over control from local bodies was referred to the hydatids committee.

Cr J. H. Gameson said that all the properties involved had been investigated and under constant check. Proper dog control and feeding were the answer. Too many dog owners wrongly assumed

that the six-weekly dosing was enough. Cr G. D. Gordon said, the numbers of infected stocksuggested that the present dog dosing and hydatids control achieved nothing. Hydatids control would be better run by the Ministry.