Abstract
Both cross-sectional and retrospective studies were conducted from October, 2011 to June, 2012 in and around Harar to determine prevalence, public health and economic significance of bovine hydatidosis. Out of 384 cattle examined with thorough carcass inspection at Harar city municipal abattoir, 36 (9.4%) were found to be infected with hydatid cyst. Significant differences were found among adult and young, poor, medium and good body condition cattle. However, no significant differences were found between sexes. Infected cattle harbored one or more hydatid cysts that were unequally distributed to lung, liver, kidney and spleen. In this study, 27 (52.94%) fertile cysts were observed and the rate of cyst calcification was higher in kidney (50%) than in other visceral organs. The direct and indirect annual financial loss from organ condemnations and carcass weight loss at the abattoir was estimated to be about 841,419.3 ETB. The retrospective case-book survey (2008 to 2011) of hospitals, health centers and clinic were indicated to be 0.195% (n=98,349) prevalence of human hydatidosis. A questionnaire survey and interview were also supplemented to a society in and around Harar to assess public awareness on hydatidosis. For this, 600 individuals (500 for questionnaires and 100 for interviews) were included using stratified random sampling in which educational level and profession were considered for stratification. This questionnaire survey and interview were made giving emphasis to way of acquiring hydatidosis and the individuals’ source of information about the disease as a zoonosis; the result showed schools and health extension workers were the leading information sources in the society. In conclusion, results of the present study showed bovine hydatidosis as an importantly producing great economic loss and public health hazardous at the study area. Therefore, public awareness creation, and appropriate control and prevention mechanisms in animal population should be done. Key words: Abattoir, bovine, financial loss, hydatidosis, prevalence, public health, Harar, Ethiopia.
Highlights
In spite of large livestock population in Ethiopia, the productivity remains marginal due to many factors like malnutrition, management problems, prevalent diseases, etc
Where LOS = loss due to organ condemnation, MAK = annual average number of cattle slaughtered at Harar city municipal abattoir, PH = prevalence of hydatidosis, P1-4 = prevalence of each organ condemned, C1-4 = main retail cost of single organs condemned
The present study showed 9.4% (n=384) bovine hydatidosis at Harar city municipal abattoir
Summary
In spite of large livestock population in Ethiopia, the productivity remains marginal due to many factors like malnutrition, management problems, prevalent diseases, etc. Among these hydatidosis is one of the important. Hydatidosis (Cystic Echinococosis) is a zoonotic disease caused by the larval stages of Echinococosis granulosus for which domestic intermediate hosts (cattle, sheep, goats and camels) are major reservoirs for the occurrence of human hydatidosis (Torgerson and Deplazes, 2009). Hydatidosis constitute public health problem worldwide, it causes heavy burden in developing countries (Eckert and Deplazes, 2004; Chhabra and Singla, 2009). Its transmission is most intensive in livestock raising regions where veterinary service is unsatisfactory and offal from slaughtered animals is accessible to dogs.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
