Prevalence and risk factors for Cysticercus tenuicollis in goats and sheep in Paraíba, northeastern Brazil

Dayana Firmino De Morais,Sérgio Santos De Azevêdo,Vitória Régia Gouveia,Vinícius Longo Ribeiro Vilela,Vinícius Mamede Dos Santos,Ana Célia Rodrigues Athayde,Thais Ferreira Feitosa

doi:10.1590/s1984-29612016092

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors for C. tenuicollis among goats and sheep in slaughterhouses in Paraíba. 390 animals (195 goats and 195 sheep) in the municipalities of Patos and Esperança, Paraíba, Brazil, were inspected between February and May 2014. The prevalence of C. tenuicollis was 39% (76/195) in goats and 17.4% (34/195) in sheep. In both species, most of the cysticerci vesicles were located at the omentum and mesentery. The only risk factor found was extensive sheep farming. It can be concluded that C. tenuicollis is highly prevalent in small ruminants in Paraíba, being more prevalent in goats than in sheep. Extensively-reared sheep were twice as likely to develop infection by this parasite.

Highlights

The semi-arid region of northeastern Brazil has good potential for goat and sheep-rearing, with favorable environmental conditions and availability of different types of forage, given that most of these herds are raised extensively
It can be concluded that C. tenuicollis is highly prevalent in small ruminants in Paraíba, being more prevalent in goats than in sheep
Goat and sheep farming in Paraiba is accessible for producers, since the acquisition of animals can be funded through government programs (ANDRADE, 2007)

Summary

Introduction

The semi-arid region of northeastern Brazil has good potential for goat and sheep-rearing, with favorable environmental conditions and availability of different types of forage, given that most of these herds are raised extensively. Goat and sheep farming in Paraiba is accessible for producers, since the acquisition of animals can be funded through government programs (ANDRADE, 2007). Despite the large population of small ruminants in northeastern Brazil, the production rates can be considered low for a variety of reasons, including the presence of parasitic diseases (AMARANTE, 2009). The adult form T. hydatigena releases eggs into the feces of definitive hosts, facilitating intake by ruminant animals while grazing. The eggs hatch in the small intestine and start to migrate to other visceral organs. This may cause appetite loss, weight loss and, reduction of meat and milk production (ORYAN et al, 2012)

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Conclusion