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Rabbits may have cysts present in their livers. These are often called hydatids, but they are not the cysts of the E. granulosis, the dog tapeworm.

Sometimes the very commonplace nature of some things may lead to complacency.

Both city and country people need to be reminded that human hydatid disease is still common. Hydatid cysts are still widespread in animals, especially sheep, and in New South Wales, the worst affected state, the incidence in many areas has not changed in the past 20 years and in many cases is as high as 30 per cent.

Before any problem can be solved, those who take the decisions must be aware that a problem does exist and need to be informed about how to go about solving that problem.

At present, it seems that many of us in Australia are not aware that hydatid disease in man and in animals is still a problem.

If you are a country reader, ask what your shire or state is doing to eradicate hydatids. If you live in the city, indicate to your local Member that you are concerned that hydatids are still a problem.

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Diagnosis of this condition is rarely made in the simple cases and, in the more difficult ones, often only when other conditions have been excluded.

When the lymph glands are affected and associated with the red rash, glandular fever or infectious mononucleosis is often suspected. However, the specific blood tests are usually negative.

The disease may be mistaken for some other feverish illness and the diagnosis is difficult to make on clinical grounds alone, but biopsy or removal of infected tissue for examination under the microscope may show the parasite.

Although toxoplasmosis is such a common condition, serious effects from the parasite are rare. Its threat to the welfare of the foetus is its most serious complication.

If a woman has not previously come into contact with toxoplasma and picks up the infection during pregnancy, the parasite appears to be able to cross the placenta and affect the developing foetus.

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