Hydatids

• As from 1 July 1996 the Dog Movement Regulations (1985) are revoked, thereafter dog owners will no longer be required to have their dogs treated for hydatids before taking them outside the Christchurch City Council district.
• If owners require their dogs treated for hydatids for any reason, they should consult their local veterinarian.
• The feeding of raw offal and untreated sheep or goat meat to dogs is not recommended. This practice has been carried out by farmers in New Zealand for many years, and although not illegal, farmers are aware of the potential risks and treat this meat in various ways to prevent the spread of hydatids. Where farmers feed offal to their dogs they cook the offal thoroughly. Where farmers feed sheep and goat meat to their dogs, they cook the meat thoroughly or freeze it to a temperature of minus 10 degrees Celsius for 7 days.

Safe Feeding

• Do not feed dogs any untreated sheep or goat's meat.
• If sheep or goat's meat is to be fed, treat by freezing or cooking.
• Freezing: freeze meat to a core temperature of -10 deg C or colder for at least 7 days.
• Cooking: heat to at least 72 deg C throughout. Carry out this process within a dog-proof area.
• Do not feed raw scraps of sheep or goat meat to dogs.
• Remember, all sheep and goat meat should be treated, including meat purchased from shops, as it cannot be guaranteed to be sheep measles free.

Recommended Farming Practices

• Home killing of sheep or goats should be carried out in a dog-proof enclosure.
• Before feeding sheep or goat meat to dogs, treat by freezing or cooking.
• Freezing: freeze meat to a core temperature of -10 deg C or colder for at least 7 days.
• Cooking: heat to at least 72 deg C throughout. Carry out this process within a dog proof area.
• Always treat the head, tongue and other off-cuts of sheep before feeding to dogs.
• Cut up meat in dog proof area (killing enclosure).
• If freezing, date dog food meat clearly to allow identification of meat ready for use.
• Check freezer is operating at -10 deg C or colder.
• Use alternative safe foods, such as dog pellets, biscuits, sausage or meal.
• Keep dogs under control when not in use (including pet dogs).
• Treat dogs for sheep measles with an appropriate drug in the event of a suspected control breakdown.
• Require all dogs entering property to have evidence of treatment with a cestocidal drug.

Discuss the most appropriate control programme for your property with your animal health advisor.