An analysis of the incidence of hydatid cysts (Echinococcus granulosus) in domestic food animals in New Zealand, 1958–1959

Abstract

Extract

Although New Zealand is alleged to have one of the highest incidences of hydatid disease per head of the human population in the British Commonwealth (Foster, 1958), little precise information is available on the incidence of the parasite in livestock. In 1958, a survey was carried out to determine the incidence of cysts of Echinococcus granulosus in sheep in the South Island. In 1959, the survey was repeated in the North Island. A third and smaller, but more detailed, survey was also undertaken in 1959. These surveys were undertaken, however, after preliminary steps had been taken to control the hydatid parasite and thus cannot be regarded as true base-line figures. This paper therefore records the incidence of E. granulosus as observed in 1958–59 and thus forms a base-line from this time.