Control of hydatidosis

Control of hydatidosis is less effective without the support of dog-owners, and this support can only be obtained if the people have a clear understanding of the life-cycle of the hydatid parasite(s) and what risk factors contribute to human infections. Dissemination of this information is the biggest challenge for hydatid control. Participatory planning between dog-owners and community leaders should evaluate the possible control technologies, and should enable a choice of those aspects that suit the sociology and economic status of the particular community. Collection of baseline data is essential, as is on-going surveillance. Hydatid control should be mainly self-funded, which again requires the support of the dog-owner. A pilot hydatid control program for Tibetan herdsmen is described. (C) 2005 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.