Municipal Abattoir Research Articles

Molecular Detection and Characterization of Haemonchus spp. in Cattle in Nigeria

Background: Haemonchosis is a major parasitic infestation in ruminant livestock, causing significant economic losses annually. The causative organisms are helminths of the genus Haemonchus spp. Detection of the causative agent is important for effective management and control of the disease. Molecular detection and characterization of parasites is a very dependable approach for parasite identification, especially where morphological characterization is unreliable. Methods: To detect and characterize Haemonchus species in cases of haemonchosis at a Municipal abattoir in Ibadan, Nigeria; abomasal samples were collected from cattle at the abattoir. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect and amplify 320 bp internal transcribed spacer-2 (ITS-2) and 400 bp external transcribed spacer (ETS) genes of the adult worms in the samples. Multiple sequence alignment and phylogenetic tree reconstruction were carried out to further confirm the presence of the worms. Results: PCR, multiple sequence alignment, and phylogenetic reconstruction confirmed the presence of H. placei in the abomasal samples and further confirmed the species as a distinct species of bovine worms at the abattoir. Multiple sequence alignment also revealed genetic sites that can be employed to distinguish H. placei from H. contortus and H. similis. Conclusion: Molecular techniques; PCR and sequence analysis are very important and reliable in the diagnosis of parasitic diseases. This will help to formulate effective control measures for eradication of the parasite.

Identification and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of Campylobacter isolated from camel at municipal abattoirs in eastern Ethiopia

Campylobacteriosis is an infectious zoonotic disease caused by the genus Campylobacter. The disease is transmitted from animals to humans predominantly through the consumption of contaminated food and water. However, the lack of information on the status of Campylobacter makes it difficult to quantify the role of camel meat in the dissemination of the pathogen. A cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2022 to August 2023 to investigate the occurrence of Campylobacter and associated risk factors and to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of Campylobacter species from camels slaughtered at municipal abattoirs in the towns of Harar, Babile, Jigjiga and Dire Dawa in eastern Ethiopia. A total of 324 (146 carcass swabs, 146 camel feces and 32 abattoir environmental swab samples) were collected and analyzed using TaqMan real-time PCR and culture techniques following standard procedures. In addition, antimicrobial susceptibility tests were performed using the disk diffusion method for eight antimicrobial agents according to the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute. The overall prevalence of Campylobacter was 7.7%. Campylobacter was more frequently detected from carcasses and surface contact environmental swabs. We isolated Campylobacter at the genus level from approximately half of the PCR-positive samples, representing 54.2% (13 out of 24) of the total. The isolation levels of C. jejuni and C. coli were also 5.56% and 2.2%, respectively, which varied significantly (p = 0.037) based on sample type and site. The odds of occurrence of C. jejuni in samples collected from abattoir environments was 7.52 times greater than those in carcass and fecal samples. We detected resistance to chloramphenicol (78.6%), followed by amoxicillin (71.4%). However, 93%, 78.6%, and 71.4% of the isolates were susceptible to ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, and nalidixic acid, respectively. Multidrug resistance (MDR) was detected in 60% of the isolates. Of these MDR isolates, 9 (75%) were C. jejuni and 3 (25%) were C. coli. This study revealed that a considerable proportion of multidrug-resistant Campylobacter species circulate in both camel meat and abattoir environments. This indicates possible carcass cross-contamination by Campylobacter during slaughtering that can pose a threat to humans and limit therapeutic options, which could be prevented by applying good hygienic practices at abattoirs. Therefore, abattoir workers need to be aware of abattoir hygienic standard operating procedures. Regular coordinated actions should be implemented for the rational use of veterinary and medical drugs at the national level, together with training and awareness of hygienic practices.

Isolation and antimicrobial susceptibility profile of Salmonella species from slaughtered cattle carcasses and abattoir personnel at Dessie, municipality Abattoir, Northeast Ethiopia

BackgroundAntibiotic-resistant Salmonella is one of the main public health concerns in the world. Isolation of Salmonella in abattoirs has been considered the core source of infection in the community from meat. Still, there is limited information on the contamination rate of cattle carcasses.ObjectiveThis study aimed to document the occurrence and antimicrobial susceptibility profile of Salmonella species recovered from cattle carcass and abattoir personnel at Dessie, municipality abattoir, Northeast Ethiopia:MethodsA total of 336 carcass swabs of abdomen, neck, and hind limb from cattle carcasses and 24 stool samples were collected from abattoir personnel using a systematic sampling method from February to April 2019. The collected samples were transported using Cary-Blair transport media and cultivated on Selenite cysteine F-broth, Brilliant green agar, and Xylose-lysine deoxycholate agar plates to isolate Salmonella species. Gram stain, colony morphology, and biochemical tests were performed to identify the isolated bacteria. An antimicrobial susceptibility test for Salmonella was performed using the Kirby-Bauer Disc Diffusion method. Descriptive statistics; both bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed using SPSS version 25 software. P-value < 0.05 at 95% CI was considered statistically significant.ResultsThe prevalence of salmonella species was 8%(27/336) from all samples.‘The prevalence of Salmonella isolates in cattle carcass and abattoir personnel was 8%(25/312) and 8.3%(2/24) respectively. The antimicrobial test showed that Salmonella species were 100% resistant to ampicillin, 59.3% to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, 59.3% to tetracycline, and 55.6% to amoxicillin/clavulanate. From the total antimicrobial tested bacteria, 81.5%(22/27) were resistant to three and above classes of antibiotics (drug classes). Unwashed knives, carcasses, and hands of butchers during slaughtering were significantly associated (p < 0.05) with Salmonella found in carcasses.ConclusionsSalmonella isolation rates from cattle carcasses were high, with the bacteria showing notable resistance to most tested antibiotics. Poor hygiene practices, unsanitized equipment, and unhygienic beef processing were contributing factors.

The Overall Situation of the Livestock and Evaluation of the Quantity of Beef Production in Batna City (Algeria)

Background: This study aims to determine the evolution of beef production during the last five years (2019-2023) in Batna city (Algeria) Methods: For the realization of this work we carried out an investigation at the municipal slaughterhouse of the city. During this investigation, we also took slaughter data. These include the weight of the carcasses and the classification of the slaughterhouse according to the categories of animals slaughtered. Moreover, a study was conducted to gather data from the Directorate of Agricultural Services (DSA) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MADR) regarding the number of cow herds in the studied city. The goal of this strategy is to comprehend the general state of the city’s livestock, including those destined for fattening and slaughter. Result: The animals intended for slaughter are mainly male cattle; of the young bulls and calves, the females admitted are cull dairy cows ( greater than 8 years). The results of this investigation showed that the beef production has experienced a remarkable drop from 1262560 kg in 2019 to 473430 kg in 2022, a slight change observed in 2023 but which still remains weak.

Bovine Hydatidosis: Prevalence and Economic Implication in Torra Municipality Abattoir, Central Ethiopia Region

Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of hydatid cysts and assess their direct economic impact. Methods: The study utilized a cross-sectional design to examine cattle slaughtered in the Torra Municipal Abattoir, in which 384 bovine species were systematically selected. Results: Out of the 384 slaughtered animals, 66 were found to have bovine hydatid cysts. A total of 112 cysts were collected, 44 (39.29%) of which were viable and 68 (60.71%) calcified. All examined organs showed hydatid cysts, but livers and lungs were most commonly affected, while tongues had the least amount. In terms of viable cysts, lung and liver contained the highest proportions, followed by heart and tongue. Consequently, the lung was the organ that was often impacted and had the greatest number of cysts. It was calculated that US$ 2,909 was lost annually as a direct economic loss. The animal's origin and sex did not significantly affect the infection rate statistically (p greater than 0.05). Similarly, there was no significant difference with age (p greater than 0.05). Conclusions: The study revealed a notable prevalence and economic impact of bovine hydatidosis in the study area. Therefore, it is crucial to implement effective control and preventive measures to mitigate the impact of disease's impact on public health.

Prevalence and associated risk factors of hydatidosis in cattle slaughtered at Wolaita Sodo municipality abattoir.

Hydatidosis, caused by the larval stage of the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus, affect cattle by forming hydatid cyst in thier lungs, livers and pose great financial loss in animal production and country's economy by both direct and indirect effect. Despite its great economic and health importance, there is an absence of current information on cystic echinococcosis in cattle slaughtered at Wolaita Sodo municipality abattoir in Ethiopia. Current investigation determines the prevalence, organ distribution and fertility of hydatid cysts in cattle slaughtered at the Wolaita Sodo municipality abattoir in Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted from February, 2023, to October, 2023, at Wolaita Sodo municipality abattoir in southern Ethiopia, through regular meat examinations and cyst characterisation to determine the prevalence, organ distribution and fertility of hydatid cysts. The overall prevalence of hydatidosis recorede in current study was 17.9% (69/384) and has shown a statistically significant association (p < 0.05) with the body condition of cattle. However, there was no statistically significant association (p > 0.05) between the prevalence of hydatidosis and other risk factors such as sex, breed, production system and origin of animals. This study showed that the lungs and liver were the most affected organs in cattle, followed by the spleen and kidneys. On cyst characterisation, the majority of hydatid cysts were found sterile (55.4%) followed by fertile (38.8%) and calcified (8.7%) cysts. Out of 125 fertile hydatid cysts tested for survival, 18.8% (58/321) were viable and 20% (67/321) were nonviable. The finding of this study shows that cystic echinococcus was important health threat of the cattle and widespread in the internal organs of affected cattle causingsignificant economic loss by condemning edible organs that are not suitable for human consumption. Therefore, urgent and integreted preventive action is needed to disrupt the life cycle of cystic echinococcosis to tackle subsequent financial loss and risk of zoonosis to humans in the study area.

Prediction of Sheep Carcass Yield using Combinations of Ante-mortem and Post-mortem Measurements

Background: Various factors affect meat production of the sheep, such as feed, live weight at slaughter and genotype. The aim of this research was to provide information on relationship between ante-mortem and post-mortem measurements of sheep as a selection criterion in two breeds. Methods: This study was carried out on 151 male sheep (rams) belonged to Ouled Djellal breed (n=118) and Hamra breed (n=33) between March and June of 2023 at the municipal slaughterhouse in the wilaya of Tebessa. The animals were older than 12 months (adult individuals). Result: The data revealed that before slaughter of the Ouled Djellal rams had significantly higher body weight (68.31±11.14 versus 61.83±5.04 kg), compared to Hamra breed. There were significant differences in the following ante-mortem traits between two breeds: heart girth, scapular-ischial length and dactyl-thoracic index among the breed (P less than 0.05). After slaughter, the carcass weight (34.96±7.82 kg versus 30.53±4.33 kg) and the carcass yield (51.51 versus 49.15) were significantly higher (P less than 0.05) in Djellal than in Hamra breed. Therefore, the sheep of the Ouled Djellal breed were the heaviest; they had wider chest and longer carcass. However, the carcass conformation was better in Hamra breed (P less than 0.05). In conclusion, this study confirmed that sheep breed affects carcass conformation and suggested the ways of improving these breeds whose qualities of adaptability are no longer to be demonstrated.

Molecular and serological prevalence of Leptospira spp. among slaughtered cattle and associated risk factors in the Bahr El Ghazal region of South Sudan

IntroductionLeptospirosis is a neglected emerging and zoonotic disease reported worldwide. This study sought to determine the molecular and serological prevalence of Leptospira spp. and the associated risk factors in slaughtered cattle from the Bahr El Ghazal region of South Sudan.Materials and methodsBetween January 16th and February 25th, 2023, blood and urine samples were collected from 402 cattle at the Lokoloko Municipal Slaughterhouse in Western Bahr El-Ghazal State. Serum samples were tested using the microscopic agglutination test (MAT), with a panel of 12 serovars (sv) from 12 serogroups (sg) and 4 species (spp) of Leptospira spp. These serovars had been previously identified in Sudan and the East African region. Simultaneously, 400 corresponding urine samples were screened using qualitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect the shedding of Leptospira spp. in urine. To identify the associated risk factors, the age, sex, breed and body condition score of each sampled cattle was noted at the time of sampling and subsequently analysed using logistic regression models.ResultsAmong the 402 serum samples screened, a substantial 81.8% (329/402, 95% CI 77.9–85.3) displayed seropositivity for Leptospira spp. with a MAT titre ≥ 100. The prevalence of urine shedding determined by PCR was 6% (23/400, 95% CI 3.8–8.4), while probable recent leptospirosis with a MAT ≥ 1:800 was observed in 33.1% (133/402, 95% CI 28.6–37.8) of the cattle. Multiple reactions were detected in 34.8% (140/402, 95% CI 30.6–39.5) serum samples. The seropositivity was against L. borgpetersenii sg. Tarassovi (78.6%; 316/402, 95% CI 74.4–82.3), followed by L. borgpetersenii sg. Ballum at 20.4% (82/402, 95% CI, 16.7–24.4%), L. kirschneri sg. Autumnalis At 8.7% (35/402, 95% CI 5.7–11.7), L. interrogans sg. of Pomona at 7.0% (28/402, 95% CI 4.5–9.5), and L. interrogans sg. Hebdomadis was 5.0% (20/402, 95% CI 2.8–7.2). Several risk factors are associated with seropositivity. Older animals (≥ 2 years) had 2.0 times greater odds (95% CI 1.14–3.5) of being seropositive than younger animals (< 2 years), P-value = 0.016. Female animals demonstrated 2.1 times greater odds (95% CI 1.2–3.6) of seropositivity than males did (P-value = 0.008). Additionally, Felata/Mbororo cattle exhibited 2.4 times greater odds (95% CI 1.3–4.5) of being seropositive than did local Nilotic cattle (P-value = 0.005). The agreement between the MAT and PCR results was poor, as indicated by a kappa statistic value of 0.001 and a P-value of 0.913. But there was a moderate agreement between MAT high titres ≥ 800 and PCR positivity with a kappa statistic value = 0.501 and a P-value < 0.001.ConclusionIn addition to the high seroprevalence, Leptospira spp. were found in the urine of slaughtered cattle, suggesting that leptospirosis is endemic to the study area. This finding underscores the significance of cattle as potential sources of infection for slaughterhouse workers, the general public, and other animal species. To address this issue effectively in the Bahr El Ghazal Region and South Sudan, a comprehensive strategy involving a multidisciplinary approach is essential to minimize disease among animals, hence reducing potential zoonotic risks to humans.

Prevalence of fascioliasis in cattle slaughtered at a municipal abattoir in Choba, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Prevalence of fascioliasis in cattle slaughtered at a municipal abattoir in Choba, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Assessment of health problems of sheep and goats based on ante-mortem and post-mortem inspection at Addis Ababa Abattoir, Ethiopia.

Ethiopia has a rapidly growing small ruminant sector, which faces low productivity due to husbandry practices and poor health condition of the animals. A study was conducted in Ethiopia's largest municipal abattoir with the objective to assess the health problems of sheep and goats presented for slaughter using standard ante-mortem and post-mortem methodology. A cross-sectional study using systematic random sampling was conducted on 384 sheep and 384 goats from January to July 2014. Soiled skin (69.1%), poor body condition (24.3%), and nostril discharge (19.5%) were common among both species at ante-mortem examination. Gross lesions were frequent in livers (39.7%) and lungs (37.2%), while pneumonia (18.1%) and adhesions (13.8%) were frequent in the lungs of sheep and goats, indicating stress-related illness. Parasitic lesions, especially fasciolosis (19.3%) and hydatid cysts (8.1%) were significantly more common in sheep livers (p 0.05). The direct financial loss from lesions in both species was 1,077,015 ETB or 53,851 USD per year, most of which was estimated to occur from carcass bruising. The findings indicate that reducing parasite burden and preventing carcass bruising through improved handling could significantly increase the profitability of the small ruminant meat sector in Ethiopia.

Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Haemonchus contortus in Sheep Slaughtered at Bahir Dar Municipal Abattoir, Ethiopia.

Haemonchus contortus is a blood sucking parasite resulting a massive economic loss in tropical and subtropical sheep rearing areas. A cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of haemonchosis and its predictors at Bahir Dar municipal abattoir, northwestern Ethiopia, from December 2022 to April 2023. A total of 378 abomasum of sheep were taken by using systematic random sampling and inspected according to standard procedures. Accordingly, the findings of this study revealed an overall prevalence of 34.40% (30/378) (95% CI: 29.75-39.35). The presence of H. contortus in female sheep (46.41%) was significantly higher than in male (23.35%) (P < 0.001). The same is true; prevalence of haemonchosis in young (<1 year) sheep was 43.33% significantly (P < 0.001) higher than that of adult (≥1 year) which was 26.26%. Based the origin of the animals in the current study, it was nonsignificant variation (P = 0.386). The current study depicted that H. contortus infection is a common parasitic disease and requires remarkable attention to the prevention and control of haemonchosis at the study area.

Detection of selected antimicrobial residues in red meat and kidney of beef cattle slaughtered at Nekemte municipal abattoir, Ethiopia.

Antibiotics are commonly used drugs in farm animals for therapeutic, prophylactic and diagnosis purposes. As a result of the use of antibiotics in livestock, residues of antibiotics may be present in animal-derived foods, especially in meat. This study aimed at determining the antibiotic residues in cattle slaughtered at Nekemte municipal abattoir and assessing the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) level of the community about antibiotic residue in food of cattle origin. A cross-sectional study was conducted on randomly selected kidney and muscle samples slaughtered at Nekemte municipal abattoir. The samples were collected aseptically and analysed using liquid chromatography mass spectrometer. In addition the KAP of cattle handlers, butcher men and meat users were collected using structured questionnaire. The data was analysed by SPSS and intercooled Stata version 7.0, 2001. Results are presented as percentages and frequency distributions in tabular and graphical form. From 120 individuals interviewed, only 25.83% knew about withdrawal time and had limited knowledge on effect of antibiotic residue on human health, whereas about 47.5% did not heard about antibiotic residue in meat. Tetracycline was detected in all the sampled meat 60 (100%), whereas oxytetracycline residues were detected in half 15 (50%) of the samples. In the current study doxycycline, sulphadiazine, penicillin G and enrofloxacin were not detected in all samples. Oxytetracycline residue levels ranged from 0.00 to 463.35µg/kg for the kidney and 0.00 to 354.55µg/kg for muscle samples. About 10% of kidney and 3.33% muscle samples collected had oxytetracycline residues above maximum residue limits. In general, the study revealed that oxytetracycline residues were prevalent among antimicrobial residues analysed from the study area. The study indicated the presence of high antimicrobial residue and hence exposes for antimicrobial resistance of pathogens warranting coordinated effort to mitigate its health effect on the animal and hence human being.

Pathological characterization of pulmonary lesion and identification of associated bacteria and parasite infection in sheep and goat slaughtered at Dessie municipal abattoir, North-East Ethiopia

BackgroundLung is susceptible and vulnerable to many infectious and non-infectious agents. From this, a large number of specific and nonspecific diseases conditions can be diagnosed. A cross-sectional study design was conducted from December 2022 to May 2023 on major pulmonary lesion of sheep and goat slaughtered at Dessie municipal abattoir with the objective of characterizing the pulmonary pathological lesions, and isolating and identifying potential aerobic bacteria and parasite from pneumonic lung.Materials and MethodsA total of 420 (302 sheep and 118 goats) were examined for gross lung lesions and histopathological investigation using standard techniques. Additionally, detailed pathological investigation was conducted on purposively selected lung lesions. Besides, pneumonic lesions were subjected to routine bacteriological and parasitological analysis.ResultsThe overall abattoir prevalence of pulmonary abnormalities in sheep and goat was 81.2% (341/420). The common gross lesions encountered were Pneumonia (55.5%), emphysema (7.1%), atelectasis (3.3%), Hydatid cyst (4.3%), congestion (2.4%), haemorrhage (3.1%), Anthracosis (0.9%), adhesion (0.7%), and Bronchoectasis (0.7%) respectively. Pneumonia, hydatidosis, and pulmonary emphysema were significantly associated (p < 0.05) with animal age groups. Pneumonia was the most common disorder, accounting for 233 (55.5%). Dictyocaulus filaria (47.7%), Mullerius capillaries (23.2%) and Protostrongylus rufescens (17.16%) were isolated lung worm parasites; whereas E. coli (20.6%), Klebsiella Pneumoniae (12.7%), Mannheimia haemolytica (10.8%), Streptococcus species (4.9%), Staphylococcus aurous (7.8%) and Pasteurella multocida (2.9%), Pseudomonas (6.9%), Proteus (1.9%) and Cornybacterium (1%) were the isolated bacteria. Moreover, 18 (4.3%) Hydatid cysts were identified by cyst viability test. The pulmonary disorder of sheep and goats in the study are relatively high prevalent and posing great health and economic impacts.ConclusionPulmonary infection with different agents is very common in the study areas. Feasible and affordable control measures and using latest diagnostic techniques like molecular detections of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, is necessary.

Major Causes of Organ Condemnation and Estimated Financial Loss in Dromedary Camels Slaughtered at Jigjiga Municipal Abattoir, Somali Regional State, Ethiopia

Major Causes of Organ Condemnation and Estimated Financial Loss in Dromedary Camels Slaughtered at Jigjiga Municipal Abattoir, Somali Regional State, Ethiopia

Ovine Lungworms Infection in Tiaret (Algeria): Prevalence, Species Involved, and Pathological Findings

Abstract Lungworm infections are known to be frequent and responsible for substantial economic losses in ruminants. They are caused by Dictyocaulus filaria and various species belonging to the Protostrongylidae family of nematodes. This present study was conducted at the Tiaret municipal slaughterhouse and the parasitology laboratory of the veterinary institute for six months, from November 2016 to April 2017. The study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of lungworm infections and the determination of the circulating species affecting sheep in the region with a pathological study of infected pulmonary tissue sections. The overall incidence of the pathology in sheep was 26 % (240/921). The identified species were Muellerius capillaris 43 %, Neostrongylus linearis 8 %, Cystocaulus ocreatus 4 %, Dictyocaulus filaria 3 %, Protostrongylus rufescens 1 %, and mixed infestations 42 %. The histological examination of corresponding lesions has revealed pneumonia-type, and bronchopneumonia, inflammatory lesions, with a predominance of mononuclear cells, necrosis of bronchial epithelium, and pulmonary parenchyma as well as hyperplasia of the bronchiolar epithelium. Prevention and control of these parasites is therefore essential for releasing the potential of sheep production.

Indigestible Foreign Bodies in cattle and goats: A veterinary surgical emergency and potential silent killer in South Sudan

In South Sudan, reckless littering and contamination of environment with all sorts of solid waste turned Indigestible Foreign Bodies (IFBs), poor knowledge of the public and farmers and the current animal husbandry system in practice constituted potential drivers for ruminant animals to inevitably ingest one or more of IFBs, that proved to be a potential, neglected non-infectious disease and a silent killer. The objective of this study was to identify the types and prevalence of IFBs in slaughtered cattle and goats. The research was carried out at two of the biggest slaughterhouses in the towns of Aweil and Wau. This study uses a cross section design in which animals prepared for slaughter were identified at antemortem and their rumen and reticulum were examined for the presence of foreign indigestible bodies. The results show that the overall prevalence of IFBs in both species in the two slaughterhouses was 32.55%, goats were more affected (34.41%) than cattle. Prevalence in aged goats (57.14%) were higher than younger ones. Middle-aged cattle succumbed more (36.11 %) than young ones. Females in both species were more affected (38.04%) than males. Prevalence of IFBs in Aweil municipal slaughterhouse (40.20%) was higher than in Wau slaughterhouse (29.78%). Most recovered types of IFB in cattle and goats were plastics (44.50%) followed by cloths (25.36%). However, mixed type of IFB was the most encountered in goats (68%) than in cattle (31.2%). The study concluded that IFBs ingestion by ruminant animals in South Sudan was widespread but not scientifically documented and disseminated and therefore, recommends extensive public and farmers awareness about solid waste management, type of biodegradables solid wastes and the policymakers to consider classification of IFBs ingestion by ruminant animals as potential non-infectious veterinary emergencies and a silent killer.

Study on Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Indigestible Foreign Bodies in Rumen and Reticulum of Cattle Slaughtered at Selected Districts of East Ararge Zone Municipal Abattoirs

Ingestion of indigestible foreign bodies by ruminants is becoming a common worldwide problem which is the associated with a shortage of feed as well as increased pollution of grazing lands with indigestible materials. A cross-sectional study was conducted from April 2023 to March 2024 with the aim of assessing the prevalence of indigestible foreign bodies and associated risk factors in cattle slaughtered at Selected districts of east Ararge municipal abattoirs. A total of 384 cattle were selected randomly and examined to check for the presence of indigestible foreign bodies in the rumen and reticulum of study animals. Among them, 109(28.39%) were found positive for the occurrence of indigestible foreign bodies in rumen and reticulum. Age, body condition and origin of the animals were determined during ante mortem examination while animals were examined for indigestible foreign bodies during postmortem examination. Age, body condition score and origin of animals had significant (P&lt;0.05) effect on the prevalence of foreign bodies. Foreign bodies were highest in cattle old age groups 58(36.71%) followed by young 28(23.53%) and adult 23(21.50%). The prevalence rate recorded in poor, medium, and good body condition of cattle were 62(68.89%), 34(32.69%) and 13(6.84%), respectively. The significantly (P=0.000) higher foreign bodies in rumen and reticulum were found in cattle originated from Babile 58(60.42%) followed by kombolcha 24(25.00%) and Girawa 17(17.71%) and the lower prevalence were observed in Gorogutu 10(10.42%). Out of 109 (28.39%) total positive cases of foreign bodies 56(14.58%), 35(9.11 %) and 18(4.69 %) prevalence rate of foreign bodies were observed in rumen, reticulum and both rumen and reticulum, respectively. Rumen harbored mostly non-metallic foreign materials while reticulum was the major site for the retention of metallic objects. Plastic 38(9.90%) were recovered as the most common foreign bodies followed by rope 16(4.17%), cloth and plastic 16(4.17%), Nail 13(3.39%), wire 12 (3.13%), cloth 7(1.82 %), and rope and plastic 7(1.82 %). Presence of the foreign bodies in the rumen and reticulum of the current study area was expose cattle to health associated problems and contribute for reduction in production. Consequently, appropriate solid waste disposal system need to implement in the study area to prevent health risk of ruminants and also to protect the environment.

Prevalence of Bovine Hydatidosis and its economic significance in Debre Tabor Municipal abattoir, South Gondar Zone, Ethiopia

Background and Aim: Hydatidosis is caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus. It is the most important zoonotic parasite. Dogs are the main definitive hosts, livestock (cattle, buffalo, goat, and sheep) are the intermediate hosts of Echinococcus granulosus, and humans are accidental hosts. Materials and Methods: Retrospective and cross-sectional studies were conducted to determine the prevalence of bovine hydatidosis and its economic losses in debretabor municipal abattoirs from July to December 2023 and from January to April 2024 April respectively. A total of 384 cattle were examined by the routine activities of ante-mortem and postmortem examination. Results: The present finding revealed that the overall bovine hydatidosis prevalence was 43.4%. Similarly, the prevalence of the parasite in male and local breed animals was 93.0% (357/384), and 81.0% (311/384) as compared to females and crossbreed animals respectively. Female animals with sterility, reproductive problems, or an emergency case certificate were permitted to be slaughtered in the abattoir. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was made to identify the association between factors and infectivity with hydatidosis. Variables as origin, age, and body condition were significantly associated with hydatidosis infection at 95% CI (1.603±3.913, p-value= 0.000), (0.227±0.623, p-value =0.000) and (1.157±3.826, p-value = 0.015) respectively. There was no significant difference between other variables. The infection and distribution of hydatid cysts were different in different organs. The higher rate of infection and distribution were found in the lung (21.3%), liver (13.2%), and both in lung and liver (5.2%) respectively while the infection rates were very low in the spleen (2.3%), kidney (0.8%), and heart (0.5%). Conclusion: The condemned organ multiplied by the current average price of the organ collected from the customers indicated that there was significant financial loss. The total economic loss of condemned organ due to hydatidosis in the study area was determined by adding direct total economic loss (127,978.636 ETB or 2245.239 USD$) and indirect total economic loss (6,550,596.36 ETB or 114922.743 USD$). The overall financial loss due to hydatid cyst was 6,678,574.996 ETB or 117,167.96491 USD$ (1 USD$ =57 ETB).

Prevalence of Bovine Hydatidosis in Cattle Slaughtered at Nekemte Municipal Abattoir, Western Ethiopia.

Hydatidosis (cystic echinococcosis) is one of the major serious parasite infectious diseases that cause poor weight gain and organ condemnation, which contributes to Ethiopia's low cattle industry production. A cross-sectional study was performed at the Nekemte Municipal Abattoir, Western Ethiopia, from October 2020 to August 2021 with the aim of determining the prevalence of bovine hydatid cysts, assessing the related risk factors, and evaluating the organ level of distributions of the cysts. An antemortem examination and postmortem examination were performed as usual on all 220 chosen slaughtered cattle. We evaluated the organs of systemically selected cattle through visual inspection and palpation. Of the total number inspected, 44 (20%) had one or more hydatid cysts in one or more of their organs. Both age and sex of the cattle were significantly associated with the prevalence of bovine hydatidosis (X 2 = 5.928; p = 0.015; and X 2 = 4.086; p = 0.043, respectively) among the risk factors evaluated. 44 (20%) of the 220 animals evaluated were positive for hydatidosis. In terms of organ distribution, the liver accounted for 27 (61.4%), the lung for 16 (36.3%), and the spleen for 1 (2.3%). 34 (55.8%) of the 62 cysts counted and characterized were found in the liver, 27 (53.6%) in the lung, and 1 (2.3%) in the spleen. 22 (35.5%) of the 62 cysts collected were calcified, and 31 (50%) were found to be fertile. Of the 31 fertile cysts discovered, 7 (22.6%) were found in the liver, 23 (74.2%) in the lungs, and 1 (2.3%) in the spleen. Hydatidosis is still one of the most critical diseases that need careful consideration for prevention and control measures in the East Welega Zone, even with the moderate level of infection currently detected. This is because there appears to be a socioeconomic environment that is conducive to the disease. Therefore, the installation of regulated, well-equipped abattoirs, public awareness campaigns, and stray dog control are crucial.

Assessment on Indigestible Foreign Bodies of Cattle and Associated Risk Factors at Selected Slaughtere House of East Hararghe Zone, Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study was conducted from April 2023 to March 2024 with the aim of assessing the prevalence of indigestible foreign bodies and associated risk factors in cattle slaughtered at selected districts of east Ararghe municipal abattoirs. A total of 384 cattle were selected randomly and examined to check for the presence of indigestible foreign bodies in the rumen and reticulum of study animals. Among them, 109(28.39%) were found positive for the occurrence of indigestible foreign bodies in rumen and reticulum. Age, body condition and origin of the animals were determined during ante mortem examination while animals were examined for indigestible foreign bodies during postmortem examination. Age, body condition score and origin of animals had significant (P&lt;0.05) effect on the prevalence of foreign bodies. Foreign bodies were highest in cattle old age groups 58(36.71%) followed by young 28(23.53%) and adult 23(21.50%). The prevalence rate recorded in poor, medium, and good body condition of cattle were 62(68.89%), 34(32.69%) and 13(6.84%), respectively. The significantly (P=0.000) higher foreign bodies in rumen and reticulum were found in cattle originated from Babile 58(60.42%) followed by kombolcha 24(25.00%) and Girawa 17(17.71%) and the lower prevalence were observed in Gorogutu 10(10.42%). Out of 109 (28.39%) total positive cases of foreign bodies 56(14.58%), 35(9.11 %) and 18(4.69 %) prevalence rate of foreign bodies were observed in rumen, reticulum and both rumen and reticulum, respectively. Rumen harbored mostly non-metallic foreign materials while reticulum was the major site for the retention of metallic objects. Plastic 38(9.90%) were recovered as the most common foreign bodies followed by rope 16(4.17%), cloth and plastic 16(4.17%), Nail 13(3.39%), wire 12 (3.13%), cloth 7(1.82 %), and rope and plastic 7(1.82 %). Presence of the foreign bodies in the rumen and reticulum of the current study area was expose cattle to health associated problems and contribute for reduction in production. Consequently, appropriate solid waste disposal system need to implement in the study area to prevent health risk of ruminants and also to protect the environment.