Epidemiology and Molecular Identification of Coenurus cerebralis in Sheep and Goats in Mpwapwa District, Tanzania: Factors to Consider in Control Plans.

Abstract

Cerebral coenurosis is a significant disease that affects sheep and goats worldwide. Studies conducted in northern and southern Tanzania have determined its magnitude and determinants. However, limited information from other regions of the country hinders the development of comprehensive national control plans. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence, knowledge, risk factors, and molecular identity of Coenurus cerebralis in sheep and goats in Mpwapwa District, Tanzania, in order to establish the preliminary status of the disease in the central regions. Data were collected through postmortem examinations of 84 sheep and 295 goat heads for cysts, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing for species identification, and a structured questionnaire of 303 small ruminant keepers for knowledge and identification of risk factors. The overall prevalence of cerebral coenurosis in sheep and goats was 13.5% (95% confidence interval (CI) 10.3-17.2). In goats, the prevalence of cerebral coenurosis was comparatively higher 15.9% (95% CI 11.9-20.6) than in sheep 4.8% (95% CI 1.3-11.8) (p = 0.008). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified the origin of sheep and goats (Chipogoro: odds ratio (OR) = 7.54, 95% CI 1.96-28.97, and Iwondo: OR = 3.90, 95% CI 1.04-14.61) as a risk factor. The average knowledge score among small ruminant keepers on disease detection was 60.7%, on disease infection cycle and control was 10.85%, and on zoonotic potential was 1.39%. Phylogenetic analysis of Cytochrome C oxidase subunit I (CO1) gene partial nucleotide sequences revealed the two distinct clusters of Taenia multiceps, one from Saudi Arabia in 2021 and another from Egypt in 2018, Peru in 2017, and China in 2016. These findings suggest cerebral coenurosis is locally widespread and highlight the importance of considering animal movement patterns, livestock keeper's knowledge, and good husbandry practices when planning for control measures of cerebral coenurosis.