Bovine Hydatidosis: Prevalence and Economic Significance at Asella Municipality Abattoir, Asella, South Eastern Ethiopia

Abstract

A cross-sectional study was conducted in cattle slaughtered at the Asella municipal abattoir to determine the prevalence of bovine hydatidosis and to assess its economic significance. Anatomical distribution, size, fertility, sterility and viability of cysts were also determined. A total of 498 carcasses were inspected; of which 189 (37.9%) were found infected with hydatid cysts. Aged cattle ((p<0.001, OR= 6.571); cattle originated from East Shoa (p < 0.01, OR = 3.776) and poor body condition scores (p < 0.001, OR= 3.842) had shown to have a significant effect on the prevalence of bovine hydatidosis. Of the total visceral organs examined, 129 were found harboring one or more hydatid cyst. The highest percentage of cysts were encountered in lungs (68.71%) followed by liver (27.89%) while the rest were in kidneys (1.70%), spleen (1.02%) and heart (0.68%) origins. From the total of 294 hydatid cysts recovered, 144(48.98%), 131(44.56%) and 19(6.46%) were found to be small, medium and large size, respectively. Of the total hydatid cysts collected, 54(18.37%) were fertile, 143(48.64%) sterile and 97(32.99%) were calcified. Likewise, out of the 54 fertile cysts subjected for viability test, 30 (55.56%) were viable. A greater proportion of fertile and viable cysts were found in the lungs than in other organs. The annual economic losses from organ condemnation and carcass weight loss due to bovine hydatidosis at Asella municipality abattoir were estimated to be 3,660,599.65 Ethiopian Birr (ETB). It was concluded that this zoonotic cestode deserves due attention on proper disposal of infected offals in abattoir and general public awareness about the diseases to safeguard public health and economic losses, and that further studies are needed on genotyping, epidemiology and public health importance of Echinococcus granulosus in the study area.

Keywords: Abattoir, Asella, Bovine, Economic significance, Hydatidosis, Municipality Prevalence, south eastern Ethiopia.