The aim of the study was to evaluate significant factors in the spread of echinococcosis in certain areas of Sicily. Data was obtained from operating registers of four surgical departments of the University Hospital of Palermo which covered 104 subjects, 57 women and 47 men, who underwent an operation for echinococcosis cysts in the period January 1996-June 1999. About 15% of these subjects were farmers, slaughterers, shepherds or gardeners and more than 80% lived in rural areas. The study showed that echinococcosis is still widespread in Sicily, at higher rates than the population, physicians and Health and safety Institutes generally believe. The place of origin is of particular importance because in rural areas it is very easy to be contaminated by infected animals or eat vegetables contaminated by parasitic eggs.