Hydatids – What Could it Cost You?

Hydatid disease is caused by a small tapeworm that lives in the intestine of dogs (both feral and domestic) and foxes. Livestock which ingests the tapeworm eggs as they graze can be infected and develop large fluid-filled cysts, mainly in the liver or lungs, but cysts can also occur in heart, spleen kidneys and brain. Wildlife such as kangaroos and wallabies can similarly be infected with cysts and are a common source of infection for wild dogs that may scavenge on carcases. Hydatids are also a significant zoonotic disease as humans too can become infected with hydatid cysts through exposure to infected dogs.

Infected organs from livestock are condemned or downgraded at slaughter leading to an economic loss. A recent study conducted by Charles Sturt University looked at data from 1.2 million beef cattle slaughtered at an eastern Australian abattoir between 2010 and 2018. The study found that 33% of cattle were infected with hydatid disease, with most cysts being in the liver or lungs. The study estimated a loss of $6.70 per infected animal due to condemnation and downgrading of organs. They also found that a relatively high proportion of cattle consigned from properties in the North Coast region were infected with hydatid disease.

Prevention of hydatid disease is possible by ensuring domestic dogs are wormed monthly with a product that controls hydatid tapeworm and ensuring that dogs are never fed raw offal from livestock or wildlife. Dogs should be secured to ensure they cannot scavenge on carcases.

If you need the advice regarding prevention of hydatid disease contact your nearest Local Land Services office https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/regions/north-coast/contact-us

For more information about the Charles Sturt University study read the fact sheet