Prevalence and Characterization of Hydatid Cyst in Cattle at Halaba Kulitto Municipal Abattoir, South Ethiopia

Abstract

A cross sectional study was conducted from October 2012 to July 2013 to determine the prevalence of hydatidosis in cattle slaughtered at Halaba kulitto municipal abattoir. A total of 384 cattle organ were examined and the result revealed an overall hydatidosis prevalence of 24.21% (93/384). The distribution of hydatid cysts in different internal organ were 12.8% (49/384), 3.1% (12/384), 0%, 0.5% (2/384), 1.3% (5/384), 4.7% (18/384), 0.8% (3/384) and 1.0% (4/384), respectively in lungs, liver, kidney, heart, spleen, lung and liver, lung, liver and spleen and in lung and spleen. The lung was the most affected organ followed by the liver. Sex and age of the animal did not have statistically significant effect (P>0.05). A total of 70 cysts were examined for viability and fertility test. Accordingly, 82.86% (58/70) and 53% (37/70) cysts were fertile and viable, respectively. The findings of the present study disclosed that hydatidosis was prevalent in cattle of the study area and responsible for high level of condemnation of different organs. Hence, an integrated control
approach involving strategic de-worming of the final hosts with strong surveillance system and good management practice of animals are essential for the reduction of the parasite prevalence.