Abattoir Prevalence of Bovine Cysticercosis in Cattle Slaughtered at Haramaya Municipal Abattoir, Eastern Hararghe Zone Of Oromia Region

Abstract

A cross - sectional study was conducted from November, 2011 to April, 2012 on bovine cysticercosis in cattle slaughtered at Haramaya Municipal Abattoir with the objectives of determining the prevalence of bovine cysticercosis and to characterize the viabilit y of the cyst. Out of 384 systematically selected slaughtered cattle, 28 (7.27%) were infected with Cysticercusbovis. A total of 126 cysts were collected in which 76 (60.32%) were viable while others 50 (39.68%) were degenerated. The anatomical distributio n of cysticerci was liver, heart, shoulder muscle, tongue, masseter and lung in decreasing order of cyst harboring. A statistical analysis of infection rate on the basis of origin of the animal and sex has no significant difference (p> 0.05) but age has si gnificant difference (p<0.05). In conclusion, the present study imply that the disease deserves due attention to safeguard the public health and promote beef industry in the country. Therefore, appropriate control and preventive measures should be taken in order to reduce the disease problem on public health even if its economic significance associated with cysticercosis is minimal.