HYDATID CYST INFECTION IN THE IXTH REGION OF CHILE - AN EPIDEMIOLOGIC CHALLENGE

Infection by Equinococcus granulosus is the main zoonosis affecting the human population of the IXth Region in southern Chile. Prevalence rates vary from 18.2 to 48 per 100 000. Animals are affected with prevalence rates of 40% for bovines, 39.5% for sheep and 14.8% for porks as estimated at the central meat processing plant in the city of Temuco. A cost of approximately $ 300 000 is estimated to treat affected individuals. Much greater losses may be estimated from unnotified meat processing in rural areas and from reduced yield of animal products such as wool an milk. Accordingly, a regional program for control of this zoonosis is urgently required.