Prevalence, Organ Distribution, Cyst Viability and Financial Losses of Bovine Hydatidosis in Shashemene Municipal Abattoir, Ethiopia

Abstract

A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2015 to May 2016, to estimate the prevalence, organ distribution, cyst viability and financial losses of bovine hydatidosis in Shashemene municipal abattoir. A total of 405 samples were collected from cattle slaughtered at the abattoir using simple random sampling method. The cattle were examined clinically both at rest and in motion during ante mortem examination. For the post-mortem examination visceral organs were inspected for the presence of hydatid cysts by applying meat inspection procedure. Individual cysts were grossly examined for any evidence of degeneration and calcification. The viability of protoscoleces was assessed by the motility of flame cells. Out of the total examined cattle, 191 (47.2%) were harboring hydatid cyst from one or more of their visceral organs. There was statistically significant association (P <0.05) between age and body condition of the cattle slaughtered with the occurrence of hydatidosis. The prevalence of hydatidosis was higher among animals with advanced age and, animals with medium and poor body condition. The proportion of organs infected by hydatidosis was found to be 68.13% in lungs, 29.30% in liver and 2.56% in spleen. In this study, the estimated financial loss due to organ condemnation was 12,590.00 ETB. The study indicated that hydatidosis is economically important parasitic disease of cattle with implication of public health importance. Application of detail meat inspection, proper disposal of infected organs and control of stray dogs are of paramount importance to control the disease.