Surveillance of Echinococcus granulosus in dogs with arecoline hydrobromide

Arecoline hydrobromide has been used for almost half a century for the treatment of Echinococcus granulosus in dogs. Trials in New Zealand showed that it had real limitations for this purpose. Its main value lies in its use as a diagnostic agent for detecting infections in dogs on a group basis. The data so obtained can be used in educating dog owners as well as for providing base-line data and an index of progress in a continuing control programme. The drug's limitations for treatment and value as a diagnostic agent in a field trial are assessed.