Studies on the Prevalence,Cyst Viability, Organ Distribution and Public Health Significance of Bovine Cysticercosis at Cattle Slaughtered in Nekemte Municipality Abattoir, East Wollega, Ethiopia

Abstract

A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2012 to April 2013 on cattle slaughtered in Nekemte municipal abattoir with the objective of determining the prevalence, cyst viability, organ distribution and its  public health significance of bovine cysticercosis. Interview was conducted on 180 residents using a structured questionnaire to know the public health significance of the disease. A total of 600 carcasses were inspected and 93  (15.5%) were infected with cysticerci. A total of 122 cysts were collected of which 95 (77.87%) were viable while others 27 (22.13%) were degenerated.The anatomical distribution of cysticerci were; 41(85.4%) in shoulder muscles, 11(78.6%) in masseter muscles, 17 (77.3%) in thigh muscles, 14 (73.68%) in heart, 7 (70%) in tongue, 4 (66.67%) in liver and 1(50%) in intercostal mussels. The prevalence of cysticercosis varied significantly (P<0.05) with sex, age, breed and origin of animals. Forty eight (60%) out  of 80 respondents from Nekemte town, thirty four (68%) out of 50 respondents  from Guto Gida woreda and twenty three (46%) out of 50 respondents from Sassiga woreda had contracted the disease at least once in their life time and maximum infestation frequency was two times per year. The infestation varied significantly (P<0.05) with sex, age, place of respondents, habit of raw meat consumption, religion, marital and educational stutas. This study indicated that the prevalence of bovine cysticercosis and public heath significance in the area was well established. Therefore, the disease deserves due attention to safeguard the public and further promote beef industry in the country.

Keywords: Nekemte, Bovine, Cysticercosis, Cyst Viability, Sassiga, Guto Gida, Prevalence, Public Health