Bovine Hydatidosis at Central Abattoir of Dhamar City, Yemen

Abstract

A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to June 2013 to determine the prevalence of cystic hydatidosis in cattle slaughtered at central abattoir of Dhamar city. The results revealed that, out of the total 323 cattle examined visually and manually, 49 (15.2%) were found harboring hydatid cysts. The distribution of different cysts in different organ was 52.79%, 42.49%, 2.15%, 1.75% and 0.86% in lung, liver, spleen, kidney and heart respectively. Significant differences (P<0.05) were observed in distribution of hydatid cysts in different organs. Out of 233 cysts tested for fertility and viability, 75(32.2%) were fertile, 126 (54.08%) sterile, and 32(13.73%) calcified cysts. There was a significant difference in fertility of cysts of different organs (P<0.05). The cysts of lung origin were highly fertile. The higher infection rate of hydatidosis was recorded in the month of June (22.7%); whereas, the lower rate in the month March (5.4%). Significant difference (P<0.05) was observed in prevalence of hydatidosis and month variation (season). The higher rate of hydatidosis was recorded in elder animals (P<0.05) compared to younger animals group. The results of this study could be useful for providing a basis for developing epidemiological control strategies for hydatidosis in cattle at Dhamar areas.