Prevalence, Related Risk Factors and Distribution of Cyst of Cysticercus bovis in Cattle Subjected to Slaughter at Nekemte Municipal Abattoir, Western Ethiopia

Abstract

A cross-sectional study were conducted from December 2014 to April 2015 to estimate the prevalence of Cysticercus bovis, investigate associated risk factors and evaluate organ level distribution of the cysts in cattle slaughtered at Nekemte Municipal abattoir, Western Ethiopia. There were 525 samples collected and processed in total. A systematic random sample strategy was used to choose the study animals. An ante-mortem examination was used to investigate potential risk factors. Post mortem examination was done by visual inspection and palpation and where necessary one or more incisions were made to detect small cysts. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the prevalence of bovine cysticercosis and Chi-square (X2) test was applied to compare the infection status with regard to the hypothesized risk factors and (P<0.05) was set for statistical significance. The study showed that out of 525 cattle examined at the abattoir, the overall prevalence of Cysticercus bovis were 2.89% (95%:1.43-4.29). Out of 15 Cysticercus bovis infected cattle, 5 (33.3%) of Cysticercus bovis were present in the triceps muscle and heart, 7 (46.7%) in tongue, 2 (13.3%) in biceps muscle and 1 (6.7%) in masseter muscle. The statistical analysis revealed that there was no statistical association (P > 0.05) between the prevalence of Cysticercus bovis and origin, sex, age groups and body conditions of the animals. This study identified the impacts of Cysticercus bovis from active abattoir survey, which clearly indicated the existence of the parasites in the present time. As a result, eradicating this parasitic disease necessitates collaboration between public health and veterinary authorities. Furthermore, a thorough and detailed meat examination at the slaughterhouse is highly imperative.