OBJECTIVE: To verify the application and effectiveness of monthly deworming for all dogs in the control of Echinococcus granulosus infection. METHODS: Baited praziquantel was used to treat all registered dogs monthly by hydatid disease control officers at village level and all stray (unowned) dogs were eliminated in the counties of Hutubi and Wensu in 1987-1990 and 1990-1994 respectively. Prevalence of echinococcosis in dogs and sheep was recorded yearly. RESULTS: The infection rate in dogs decreased from 18.5% and 14.7% before implementation of the control measure to zero in 3-4 years in Hutubi and Wensu Counties respectively. Prevalence of hydatid disease in new born sheep was reduced by more than 85% in comparison to the same age sheep before the control program in both counties. CONCLUSION: "Monthly drug administration to all dogs" is an effective way to the control of echinococcosis in dogs and of hydatid disease in sheep.
OBJECTIVE: To verify the application and effectiveness of monthly deworming for all dogs in the control of Echinococcus granulosus infection. METHODS: Baited praziquantel was used to treat all registered dogs monthly by hydatid disease control officers at village level and all stray (unowned) dogs were eliminated in the counties of Hutubi and Wensu in 1987-1990 and 1990-1994 respectively. Prevalence of echinococcosis in dogs and sheep was recorded yearly. RESULTS: The infection rate in dogs decreased from 18.5% and 14.7% before implementation of the control measure to zero in 3-4 years in Hutubi and Wensu Counties respectively. Prevalence of hydatid disease in new born sheep was reduced by more than 85% in comparison to the same age sheep before the control program in both counties. CONCLUSION: "Monthly drug administration to all dogs" is an effective way to the control of echinococcosis in dogs and of hydatid disease in sheep.