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Hydatid Disease. Sir Louis Barnett, in an article in the New Zealand Medical Journal, December, 1940, draws attention to the unfavourable position New Zealand still continues to hold as regards the incidence of hydatid disease. He makes the following deductions from his study of the available data : (1) About 120 new cases of hydatid disease are treated in New Zealand every year, and about 16 of them are fatal ; (2) about half our sheep and cattle have livers and lungs infected with hydatid cysts ; (3) a third or more of our country dogs harbour the adult parasite Taenia echinococcus ; (4) in spite of an intensive campaign of prevention, there is no definite evidence that, taking New Zealand as a whole, hydatid infection is on the wane ; (5) the South Island, though only half as populous as the North Island, has almost as many cases of hydatid disease. This disproportion is largely due to a particularly heavy infestation in the Canterbury district. Dr. E. W. Bennett resumed his publicity work at the agriculture shows, in an effort to enlighten the public in general and dog-owners in particular as to the cause and methods of prevention of this disease. Unfortunately, there are still owners who neglect to dose their dogs with the recommended vermifuge supplied by the Government. Until this apathy is overcome, death and invalidity will continue from what is a preventable disease. Venereal Diseases. The specialist Medical Officers appointed last year have carried out inspections of existing facilities in the public hospitals throughout the Dominion for treatment of venereal diseases. As a result of their investigations it is hoped to ensure reasonable standards as regards accommodation, equipment, staffing, &c., at the various hospitals to deal satisfactorily with these cases. A considerable measure of success has been met with in the steps which were taken to trace and bring under treatment persons who were suspected of being responsible for infection of members of the armed Forces. Experience has shown, however, that the powers with which the Department is armed are inadequate. As a result, it is proposed to submit suggestions for amendments to the existing regulations. The work of Dr. Maaka amongst the Maoris resident in part of the Whakatane district, referred to in the past year's report, has done a great deal "to alleviate the position in that area. Public-health Problems arising out of the War. A medical conference to consider problems of New Zealand, with special reference to war conditions, met in October. The composition of the Conference was as follows : — Chairman : Director-General of Health. Medical Research Council and Board of Health : Dr. Muriel Bell, Sir Donald McGavin, Professor C. E. Hercus, and Sir James Elliott. Medical School, Otago University : Professor F. R. Smirk. Army Department: Brigadier F. T. Bowerbank. British Medical Association : Dr. J. 0. Meicer. Royal Australasian College of Physicians : Dr. C. A. Taylor. Royal Australasian College of Surgeons: Dr. D. Whyte. Department of Health: Dr. R. A. Shore, ©r. T. R. Ritchie, Dr. H. B. Turbott, and Dr. L. C. McNickle. Among the more important problems discussed were — (1) Control of infectious diseases among military Forces, with special reference to influenza, rubella, and cerebro-spinal fever. (2) Control of Tuberculosis: The conference advocated the use of micro-photographv (35 mm. film) for carrying out surveys and group examinations to determine the incidence of tuberculosis in New Zealand and to seek out active cases of disease. Steps have since been taken to encourage all Hospital Boards employing a full-time radiologist to jmrchase suitable units so as to enable the use of this method of diagnosis. (3) Quarantine and Port Health Inspection : The conference favoured the English system whereunder infectious cases on arriving ships are sent to isolation hospitals, while other persons on board are allowed to go about their business under the surveillance of the local Medical Officer of Health. (4) Venereal Diseases : The measures in force for combating these diseases were reviewed. (5) Nutrition : The conference approved a report presented by Dr. Muriel Bell on the subject of nutrition and endorsed her programme for further work. (6) Medical Research : The conference considered suggestions for matters for research which might be brought to the notice of the Medical Research Council. A fuller account of the proceedings was published in the New Zealand Medical Journal of December, 1940. Reports op Divisional Directors. Public Hygiene. Dr. Ritchie gives detailed statistics for the year. Conferences of Medical Officers of Health were held during the year in order to discuss health problems connected with the war. Duties connected with the control of infectious and occupational diseases, the protection of the wholesomeness of food, and the supervision of water-supplies and sewage-disposal systems received continuous attention.

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