Diagnosis of <em>Moniezia expansa</em> in Babylon and Karbala butchery's sheep

Abstract

Moniezia expansa is a prevalent species of tapeworm that poses potential health risks to sheep and other ruminant animals. Its distribution is global, including regions such as Babylon and Karbala. The diagnosis of Moniezia expansa in sheep processed through butcheries and abattoirs in these areas typically follows a structured approach. A crucial aspect of the diagnostic process involves postmortem examination, where butchers and inspectors meticulously inspect the sheep's intestines. The small intestines, particularly the jejunum and ileum, often serve as habitats for Moniezia expansa tapeworms. During visual inspection, professionals identify the presence of adult tapeworms or their segments. Subsequently, the identified tapeworm segments undergo specific identification procedures. Typical Moniezia expansa segments exhibit a flat and rectangular shape, often appearing broader than their length and extending several centimeters. Between March 2020 and February 2021, 266 random samples of small intestines were collected from sheep slaughtered in Babylon and Karbala butcheries. The study results indicate that the parasite had a widespread presence in both regions, with infection rates of 30.45% (37.78%, 28.47%) for Babylon and Karbala, respectively. The highest infection rate, reaching 48.71%, was observed during the summer season, particularly in July.