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Control of hydatid disease in Wales
S R Palmer1, A H Biffin, P S Craig
1Public Health Laboratory Service, Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre (Welsh Unit), Cardiff.
BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.)
|March 16, 1996
Summary
South Powys
Area of Science:
- Veterinary epidemiology
- Public health
- Parasitology
Background:
- Hydatid disease, caused by Echinococcus granulosus, poses a significant public health concern.
- Control programs are essential to reduce the prevalence of cystic echinococcosis in endemic areas.
- Sheep and dogs are key hosts in the transmission cycle of Echinococcus granulosus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effectiveness of the South Powys hydatid control program.
- To analyze trends in human cystic disease and Echinococcus infestation in sheep and dogs.
Main Methods:
- Review of hospital admissions for human hydatid disease (1984-1990).
- Abattoir surveys for hydatid cysts in sheep.
- Surveys for Echinococcus granulosus infestation in dogs using arecoline acetarsol and coproantigen tests.
Main Results:
- Human hydatid disease incidence in Powys decreased significantly between 1974-1983 and 1984-1990.
- No cases of hydatid disease in children under 15 occurred in Powys during the control period.
- Hydatid cysts in sheep declined but remained at 13% in 1993; Echinococcus infestation in dogs was zero in the control area by 1993 but present in surrounding regions.
Conclusions:
- The hydatid control program in South Powys has been successful in reducing human cases.
- Cystic echinococcosis remains endemic in sheep in mid-Wales, with infection foci in bordering areas.
- Continued vigilance and control measures are crucial to prevent resurgence of human hydatid disease.