Hydatid and Tasmania

In the 1960’s there was a disturbingly large number of cases of people with hydatid cysts caused by the hydatid tapeworm of dogs. These cysts, contracted by ingesting the eggs of tapeworm found in the gut of dogs, would develop in the internal organs of people, growing quite large and needing surgical removal. Sometimes they even lead to death. 

The Tasmanian government made a concerted effort during the 1960’s to stop the spread of hydatid tapeworm to people. This involved breaking the life cycle of the hydatid tapeworm by preventing dogs from eating offal (the internal organs) of livestock. We now use tapeworm treatments on pet dogs and on all dogs entering the state, and DPIWE monitors carcasses at abattoirs for cysts and quarantines properties until affected animals are progressively slaughtered. Case numbers are incredibly low now and Tasmania was declared provisionally free of Hydatid disease in 1996. 

As such, Tasmania now has regulations about bringing dogs into the state. All dogs entering Tasmania must have been treated with an adequate dose of praziquantel within the last 14 days. Proof of this treatment can be a receipt and packaging of the treatment, or a written letter from your vet. No dogs in Tasmania are allowed to eat fresh offal, whether human-grade or not, and they are to be actively discouraged from roaming and eating carcasses. 

See this website for further information: 

https://dpipwe.tas.gov.au/biosecurity-tasmania/animal-biosecurity/animal-health/sheep/hydatid-disease