Abattoir Based Survey of Bovine Cystic Echinococcosis in Selected Commercial Abattoir in Ethiopia

Hydatidosis is a widespread parasitic disease posing a significant public health and economic burden in developing countries. Abattoir survey was conducted to determine the prevalence of cystic echinococcosis (CE) in cattle, its organ distribution and to estimate financial loss due to organ condemnation. A total of 662 cattle originated from four different areas Ethiopia were examined during routine meat inspection. Bovine CE was observed in more than a half (51%) of all cattle studied. The prevalence of CE was significantly associated with the origin of the cattle and study month. Area specific prevalences were 44% (n=386) in Arsi, 30% (n=91) in Borana, 85% (n=80) in Jimma and 67% (n=105) in Mi’eso. The lowest prevalence (32%) was observed in February and the highest prevalence (75%) was observed in December. Of the animals positive for hydatid cyst (n=335), in 70% of them had cysts were found in the lungs followed by the liver (30%). Out of 386 multiple cysts observed 74% (285/386) of them were fertile and the remaining 26% (101/386) were calcified cysts. Bovine CE was estimated to cause a total financial loss of 3,353.77 US$ annually due to organ condemnation. The high prevalence of cystic echinococcosis observed warrants the need for appropriate control measures to reduce the public health and economic impacts of the disease.