The Hydatid Tapeworm Echinococcus granulosis (NOT the regular tapeworm Dipylidium caninum) are a relatively rare but really important parasite of dogs and sometimes cats – because if your dog or cat gets infected, you might die.
There was a long time when hydatids were thought to be eradicated on the Australian mainland, but it appears they are making something of a comeback with significant loss of production of cattle reported due to hydatid disease. CLICK HERE TO SEE AVA PRESS RELEASE ON HYDATID DISEASE
Humans, sheep, cattle,
pigs and native wildlife become infected when they are in contact with dog faeces (including on the dog’s coat when they roll). The lifecycle means that humans are a “dead end” host, but they may also become a dead host if they get hydatid cysts growing inside them!
(thanks to DPI Tas for the picture!)
Hydatid cysts can be fatal and treatment in humans is extremely difficult.
The pictures show fatal hydatid cysts in a human liver, lung, and brain
It used to be that hydatids were only a ‘rural’ disease, but with the rise of ‘organic’ and home cooked dog food, even areas close to cities can be affected.
AVOID THE POTENTIAL FOR HYDATID DISEASE IN DOGS AND HUMANS BY:
- NEVER feed meat of offal from sheep, cattle, pigs or kangaroos unless it has been killed in a registered abattoir and inspected by the Australian Meat Inspection Service. Unlike some other countries, infected meat or offal is not fed to animals in Australia.
- If you are “home cooking” meals for your dog, know where your meat and offal is coming from!
- Don’t allow your dog to “run wild” with other wild dogs or sheep/cattle. Keep your pets under control.
- REGULAR WORMERS DO NOT WORK ON HYDATIDS! If you are concerned that your dog may be at risk, worm with Drontal or Milbemax at the recommended dose.
- Keep your cats indoors, cats that hunt and feed on livestock or native animal offal may be at risk.
- Wash your hands after handling pets. Always.
- Wear gloves when emptying litter trays – (that’s good policy anyway!)
Join Pets Australia to get access to a whole heap of good stuff that helps keep you, your pets and your pet business safe and happy. CLICK HERE and scroll down to join