Disturbing new research showing the human health risk of wild dogs comes as recent attacks on pets and livestock in populated areas demonstrate these predators are not just a rural Queensland problem, says farm group AgForce.
AgForce Sheep & Wool president Brent Finlay said many people – especially those living in peri-urban areas – do not realise wild dogs not only threaten animals and children they also spread the tapeworm disease Hydatids which has serious and sometimes fatal human consequences.
As communities in the south-east corner have become concerned about increasing wild dog numbers, AgForce is raising awareness about control options available to all landholders.
Predator Control Days hosted by AgForce will be held at Gympie on August 3 and Warwick on August 4, as part of the Blueprint for the Bush project.
The information days bring together wild dog researchers, dog trappers, dog callers and nil tenure planners to ensure community involvement in controlling the problem.
"Wild dogs are no longer just a problem for commercial livestock producers – recent attacks in populated areas of Queensland include a vicious attack on a calf at the suburban hamlet of Kawana Forest, near Caloundra," Mr Finlay said.
"As urban sprawl extends into bushland areas which were traditionally occupied by wild dogs, there are increasing reports of wild dogs infected with Hydatids and the extent of the problem is still emerging."
A recent study based in the Maroochy Shire, including the popular tourist communities of Eumundi, Yandina, Nambour, Woombye and Palmwoods, identified the encroachment of Echinococcus granulosus (Hydatids) a disease carried by dogs into urban areas in eastern Queensland.
Wild dogs spread the disease by defecating in unfenced gardens, parks and domestic bins, and more than 50 percent of the animals captured and examined during the study were infected by Hydatids.
Hydatid cysts develop in the internal organs of the intermediate host, mainly in the liver and lungs and more rarely in other sites such as the brain and bone marrow.
"Hydatids are just one of the diseases that wild dogs spread and this is incredibly concerning given the anecdotal evidence that wild dog numbers are rising," Mr Finlay said.
"Conservative estimates show that Hydatids annually cost the Queensland beef industry about $6 million in infected cattle livers alone, on top of the significant losses in livestock from dog attacks."
South-east Queensland producer Ivan Naggs runs a cattle breeding property at Gympie and spends his nights listening to howling dogs and waiting for the next attack on his valuable livestock.
"Every year, Ivan and his neighbours plan a coordinated wild dog baiting program, however local laws dictate they must obtain permission from 162 signatures before they can commence the program," Mr Finlay said.
"This can take several weeks, and the process is often frustrated by people who refuse to give their permission because they don’t understand the severity of the issue."
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