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Wild dog parasite infecting cattle
21 Nov 2003
The neospora caninum parasite, spread by dingoes and wild dogs, is costing the beef industry an estimated $30 million a year. Many beef cattle are believed to have been infected by eating grass contaminated with dog faeces. Authorities say, however, the meat of infected animals is safe for human consumption.
Nearly 6,000 beef cattle have been tested in a western Queensland study, which found 15 per cent infected with neospora. Of 32 properties surveyed, only one showed no indication of infection. The study showed infected cows have three times the abortion risk of uninfected animals, and calves born to infected cows have a 90 per cent of chance of having the parasite also.
Dogs become infected after eating foetal tissue or afterbirth, and pass the parasite eggs in faeces. Agforce said wild dog populations are growing throughout rural Queensland.
The Australian, 21/11/03, page 5.
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