Equine hydatidosis in Australia.

The research paper discusses the widespread prevalence of equine hydatidosis, a parasitic disease caused by larval Echinococcus, in Australia, and primarily in horses imported from the United Kingdom.

Hydatidosis Among Horses

• The paper speaks about equine hydatidosis, an illness predominantly present among horses and caused by the larval form of a parasite called Echinococcus. It suggests that the prevalence of this disease has reached critical levels in Great Britain, with a rate as high as 60%, and is becoming widespread.
• The paper also indicates that the issue is not limited to a particular type of horse as all varieties are affected. Furthermore, the disease is found equally in both young and old horses.
• It is also highlighted that hunting dogs play a significant role in the epidemiology of equine hydatidosis in Great Britain. E. granulosus, the parasitical cause of this disease, varies in morphology and biology when found in British horses and sheep and has different physiological characteristics as well. This difference bears significance according to the research, as it could influence their infectivity to humans.

The Situation in Australia

• The research points out that despite instances of equine hydatidosis being reported in certain states in Australia, it is still considered a rarity in the country. The instances of this disease in Australia have been mostly isolated cases.
• The study suggests a strong reason to believe that the strain of E. granulosus found in British horses is present in Australia as well. Supporting this claim is the data of importing horses into the country.
• From 1973, about 1,678 horses have been imported from the UK into Australia. The research breaks down the distribution data pertaining to this. Sixty percent of these horses were imported into New South Wales, 24% into Victoria, 11% into South Australia, with the remaining horses brought into Queensland and Western Australia. Inter-state and intra-state movement of horses once in Australia is also mentioned.
• Imported horses include thoroughbreds, Hackneys, and Welsh Mountain Ponies, among others. It is pointed out that there is no expectation of a decline in the number of horses imported annually from the UK to Australia, which hovers around an average of 500.
• The study concludes by mentioning the current state of affairs in England, where the waiting list for quarantine space in Australia includes over 800 horses. This suggests that the rate of horse importation is unlikely to decline, further raising concerns for hydatidosis prevalence in Australia.