Hydatid Tapeworm & Hydatid Cysts

The term “Hydatids” refers to a cystic infection (hydatid disease) results from infection by a tapeworm parasite which can be passed to you from your pets.  In humans they cause cysts in the internal organs of humans, which require surgical removal. 

What is the public health significance of hydatid disease?

Farm animals such as sheep, cattle, pigs and wildlife such as kangaroos and wallabies are unable to pass the hydatid infection directly to humans.  Humans will normally become affected through faeces from dogs that have eaten any contaminated offal or meat from one of the above.    

How is hydatid infection transmitted?

The hydatid tapeworm, Echinococcus, requires two animal hosts in its life-cycle.  One host harbors the hydatid cyst (intermediate host) which is the larval stage of the parasite.  Kangaroos, humans, sheep, cattle and pigs act as the intermediate hosts.  The adult stage of this tapeworm doesn't develop in humans and will only develop in dogs and dingoes.  To become infected dogs must eat the offal or meat of an intermediate host i.e.. Sheep, cattle, pigs, kangaroos.  The adult worm will then develop in the dog’s intestine and produce eggs, which will be shed in the dog’s faeces.  If the eggs are accidentally eaten by humans, kangaroos, sheep or other animals they hatch in the body and develop into hydatid cysts.  Humans often become infected via their dog as the eggs of the tapeworm stick to the dog’s coat.

REMEMBER: Humans can only get hydatid disease from dogs and dingoes or consuming raw or uncooked meat containing eggs. 

Is human infection with Hydatids a serious disease?YES.  This is because there are presently no effective drugs available to treat the condition.  The only way to remove the cysts is by surgery.  Sometimes multiple surgeries are even required. 

Am I at Risk?

Probably not.  If you feed your dog processed dog foods or meat but not offal your dog is unlikely to catch hydatid tapeworm.  If your dog is fed offal such as heart, liver or lungs from home killed meats or comes across dead animals in national parks then Echinococcus tapeworms may be eaten and passed onto you. 

How do I avoid Infection?

Quite simply we need to break the life-cycle of the tapeworm.  Never allow your dog to eat offal.  Do not allow your dog to eat raw meat that has not been through normal health inspection procedures (i.e.. From your local butchers).  If in doubt – COOK IT! 

So how do I control Hydatids?

Dogs need to be wormed every 6 weeks with Drontal, Droncit or Popantal if at any risk of being infected.   Check carefully which products you use, as some “all wormers” may not be suitable.