Evaluation of control programmes for echinococcosis/hydatidosis in Cyprus.

In Cyprus, echinococcosis (Echinococcus granulosus) was an important public and animal health problem until the 1970s. In 1971, the Department of Veterinary Services instigated a control programme, which was based on an island model, using arecoline testing, euthanasia of positive dogs, control of dog breeding, elimination of stray dogs and control measures in slaughterhouses. The first programme ended in 1985 with excellent results and E. granulosus was considered to have been eradicated from both the definitive hosts (dogs) and the intermediate hosts (livestock). However, surveillance from 1985 to 1993 demonstrated that the life-cycle of E. granulosus was continuing at very low levels. Control measures were therefore reintroduced in 1993. The second programme commenced in 1993 and was based on surveillance of intermediate hosts, control of infected flocks, and testing and treatment of owned and stray dogs in infected areas. A continental model was employed for the second programme, due to the division of the island in 1974. The experience gained from the two programme is described.