Prevalence, Intensity and Associated Factors of Cysticercus tenuicollis in Small Ruminants in the Northwest Region of Cameroon

Abstract

Background: Cysticercus tenuicollis infection, which can cause production and economic losses in livestock, is neglected in most African countries, including Cameroon. Objective: To determine the prevalence, intensity and associated factors of C. tenuicollis in small ruminants in the Northwest region, Cameroon. Materials and Methods: A total of 1106 small ruminants (493 sheep; 613 goats) originating from divisions of the study region and destined for slaughter in Bamenda municipality were examined. Following slaughter, intensive meat inspections were performed to detect C. tenuicollis cysts based on standard procedures. Results: Overall, the prevalence of C. tenuicollis was 34.36% (31.62%–37.21%), and no difference (χ2 = 1.43, p = 0.23) was observed between goats (35.89% [32.19%–39.76%]) and sheep (32.45% [28.47%–36.70%]). C. tenuicollis cyst was prevalent in all divisions in the region and detected during the entire study period. Weight, body condition score, pregnancy and lactating status of females, origin of the animals and season were the major (p < 0.05) factors in goats and only age (p < 0.05) in sheep. C. tenuicollis cysts were predominant in the abdominal cavity (97.90%) (OR = 2477.79; 889.45–6902.46; p < 0.0001, χ2 = 701.19) and mainly attached to the omentum (71.84%) (OR = 20.03; 13.53–29.66; p < 0.0001, χ2 = 269.13) compared to the pelvic cavity and other organs, respectively. Conclusion: The study showed high prevalence and widespread distribution of C. tenuicollis infection in small ruminants and suggested that cysticercosis in small ruminants and its associated socio-economic implications for livestock production are neglected in Northwest Cameroon. Concerted veterinary–livestock farmer efforts, monitoring of infected small ruminant populations and regular parasite control in dogs in contact with small ruminants and prevention of contamination of pastures with T. hydatigena eggs by barring access of potential definitive hosts are essential for the control of the disease.