Prevalence of Parasitic Infections in the Liver of Slaughtered Animals and Its Economic Losses in Modern Slaughterhouses of Mazandaran Province during 2018-2019; A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Background: Regarding the consequences of parasitic infections, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and types of parasitic infections in the liver of slaughtered animals and their economic losses. Methods and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on 510,802 and 501,108 head of livestock, respectively, in 2018 and 2019, including different species of cattle, sheep, and goats in the modern slaughterhouse of Mazandaran province. All recorded livers were evaluated using macroscopic, observational, and palpation methods. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software and the Chi-square test. Results: The prevalence of parasitic infection of hydatid cyst in 2018 was 6.37% in sheep (liver), 2.40% in cattle, and 1.90% in goats; further, in 2019, it was 8.06% in sheep, 2.83% in goats, and 1.35% in cattle. According to the results, the prevalence of hydatid cyst was significantly higher in sheep liver than those in cattle and goats. After hydatidosis, fasciolosis was most prevalent in the liver of slaughtered animals. The highest seasonal prevalence of parasitic infections in the liver was observed in spring and summer, respectively. The average overall direct economic loss during the years of the study was estimated to be 82,362,000,000 Rial, equivalent to 588,300 USD. Conclusions: The rate of contamination of slaughtered animals with hydatid cysts and Fasciola is high due to the zoonotic nature of these parasites, and the damage caused by the extermination of infected areas imposes high costs on society; thus, preventive measures should be taken in livestock in this area.