Abstract
ABSTRACT: Cystic echinococcosis is a parasitic infection of worldwide distribution, which, despite causing significant loss of health and money, is still a neglected disease. The present study was performed to determine the prevalence of bovine hydatid disease at Research Centre for the Conservation of Sahiwal Cattle, Jahangirabad, Khanewal, Pakistan. Five hundred bovine serum samples were tested for the detection of bovine Echinococcus antibodies (IgG), using the ELISA kits. Antibodies of bovine Echinococcus were detected in 24.2% cattle. Female cattle showed higher disease prevalence (33.2%) compared to (6.02%) in male cattle. There was positive association between sex of cattle and prevalence (P<0.05). Positive correlation between disease prevalence and age was detected. Younger animals (<3 years old) had lower prevalence value of disease than to older animals (> 3 years old). It is concluded that there is high degree of exposure of cattle to Echinococcus at Research Centre for Conservation of Sahiwal Cattle, Khanewal, Punjab. Measures should be taken to reduce risk of disease to avoid its spread to humans as well as great degree of economic losses.
Highlights
The causative agent of hydatid disease is the metacestode stage of tape worm of genus Echinococcus
The percentage of infection was low in younger animals as compared to older one (Table 1)
The total 121 animals showing infection of hydatid disease included 111(33.2%) females and 10 (6.02%) male animals (Table 2)
Summary
The causative agent of hydatid disease is the metacestode stage (larvae) of tape worm of genus Echinococcus It is considered as one of the most harmful parasitic infection in humans and animals around the world (HAYAJNEH et al, 2014). Definitive host acquire infection by devouring the hydatid cyst present in the viscera of intermediate host. Food animals infected with this disease present the economic losses in terms of lowered yield of milk, weight loss by the carcass and bad quality of wool. These deficits attribute to serious losses to agriculture for some of them are estimated at≥10% (CARABIN et al, 2005). Current study was carried out with the aim to sort out the overall prevalence of Echinococcus granulosus and its relation to age and gender of host
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