The toxicity and efficiency of arecoline hydrobromide in the Tasmanian hydatid control program.

Results on the efficiency and toxicity of arecoline hydrobromide during the first 11 years of the hydatid limitation program in Tasmania are presented. A satisfactory mucous purge was obtained from about 80% of dogs when arecoline was used at 3.25 mg/kg and from about 75% when the dose rate was reduced to 1.62 mg/kg of body weight. Arecoline is considered to have a low efficiency in detecting tapeworm infection in individual dogs, but is valuable as a diagnostic aid in groups of dogs. Toxicity was seen as acute cardiac collapse in about 5 dogs per 1000 dosed. Deaths followed in 1 dog in about 9,500.