HYDATID DISEASE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20852, 7 October 1937, Page 11

HYDATID DISEASE

ADDRESS BY DR. McKENZIE On Monday evening Dr. J. Campbell McKenzie addressed between 40 and 50 members of the Farmers’ Union and their wives at Southburn. Mr D. France, chairman of the Timaru-St. Andrews branch of the Farmers’ Union presided, and In extending a welcome to members said he was pleased to see such a large attendance. In introducing the speaker he said that it was important that fanners should obtain as much knowledge as possible on the methods of combating hydatid disease. Dr. McKenzie stated that there were two diseases prevalent in Canterbury, goitre and hydatid disease. The medical profession was endeavouring to educate the country towards the prevention of hydatids. The disease could be stamped out if dog owners would take the necessary precautions with the dog’s feed. Dr. McKenzie outlined the life history of the parasite, which, he said, lived principally in the intestines of the dog. Hundreds of children were affected annually through contact with dogs, and the serious effects of the disease on the health of the children could not be over-emphasised. Apart also from the effect it had on health, the loss to farmers amounted approximately to £50,000 a year owing to the loss of the sale of sheep livers condemned for hydatids infection. Dr. McKenzie concluded his remarks by stressing the importance of boiling the dog’s feed before feeding, washing the hands after handling dogs, and the necessity for giving dogs special medicine every three months. These remedies were simple and would do much to stamp out the disease in Canterbury. A vote of thanks to Dr McKenzie was moved by Mr A. Ward, and carried unanimously. The meeting concluded with supper provided by the Women’s Division.