Ciencia y tecnología veterinaria

Prevalence, Anatomical Cyst Distribution and Economic Significance of Cysticercus bovis in Cattle Slaughtered at Kombolcha Elfora Meat Factory, North-Eastern Ethiopia

Abstract

Seid Kassaw* and Ahmed Geto

Bovine cysticercosis is a parasitic disease caused by Cysticercus bovis that affects cattle health and causes economic loss due to organ and carcass condemnation. Therefore, the cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2017 to April 2018 to determine the prevalence of Cysticercus bovis, cyst distribution, and economic significance in cattle at the Kombolcha Elfora meat factory. 420 randomly selected cattle were subjected to postmortem examinations and routine meat procedures were performed. Of the 420 cattle examined, 26 confirmed positive for bovine cysticercosis, resulting in an overall prevalence rate of 6.0%. Of the 26 infected cattle, 92 cysticerci were identified. The liver exhibited the highest proportion of Cysticercus bovis cysts (65.2%), followed by the tongue (17.4%), masseter muscle (10.8%), and heart (6.52%). However, no significant differences in Cysticercus bovis prevalence were observed based on breed (χ²=0.32; p=0.857), sex (χ²=0.732; p=0.980), age (χ²=0.658; p=0.417), body condition scores (χ²=0.609; p=0.705), and origin (χ²=7.299; p=0.200). Moreover, assessment of annual economic loss due to bovine cysticercosis at Kombolcha meat factory from organ condemnation and carcass weight loss was estimated at 294,841.89 ETB (Ethiopian Birr). In conclusion, the prevalence of Cysticercus bovis in the study area was slightly higher and resulted in substantial economic losses. Therefore, it is vital to increase public awareness, maintain good drainage system and implement standard routine meat inspection measures to safeguard public health and minimize economic losses.