The status of cystic echinococcosis (Hydatid osis) in Small ruminants slaughtered at Addis Ababa municipal abattoir

Abstract

A cross-sectional study was carried out from November 2008-April 2009 in Addis Ababa abattoir to overview the status of hydatidosis in small ruminants in the country. A total of 611 sheep and 389 goats brought for slaughter from different parts of the country were involved. Out of 1000 small ruminants examined 97 (9.7%) were found to harbor hydatid cysts. Infection was significantly higher (p<0.05) in sheep (13.9%) than goats (3.1 %). Likewise, significantly higher infection (p<0.05) was found in older age category (29.78%) than it was in younger (3.87%). However, sex did not demonstrate a difference of statistical significance (p>0.05). Out of 111 hydatid cysts recovered for laboratory observation, 52.25% were fertile while 28.83 and 18.92% were sterile and calcified, respectively. About 54% of the cysts from sheep were fertile while it was 33.33% for goats. Such an observation of a higher prevalence and fertile cysts in sheep compared to goats may suggest the enormous role that sheep could play in the occurrence of hydatidosis. Inline with this finding, the need for proper disposal of offal, termination of backyard slaughter and control of stray dogs is recommended to prevent the economic loss and public health hazards associated with the disease. © Medwell Journals, 2011.