Abstract

A cross sectional study was conducted from November 2013 to April 2014 to determine the prevalence of bovine cysticercosis, assess the associated risk factors and public health importance of Taeniasis at Elfora abattoir, Bishoftu town. Active abattoir survey from local zebu cattle presented to Elfora Abattoir and questionnaire survey data collected were analyzed using STATA version 11. From the total 430 carcasses examined, 24 (5.6%) were found to be infected with Cysticercus bovis. Cyst prevalence per organs were tongue, 14 (3.2%), triceps muscle 9 (2.1%), masseter muscle 7 (1.6%), heart 4 (0.9%) and diaphragm 1 (0.2%).  From a total of 54 C. bovis cysts collected, 36 (66.6%) and 18 (33.3%) were live and degenerated cysts, respectively. 64% human Taeniasis was recorded with a statistically significant differences (P<0.05) among age groups, gender, raw meat consumption, education level and occupation of individuals interviewed. High raw meat consumers had higher odds of acquiring taeniasis (OR= 48.71) than low raw meat consumers. However, no statistically significant differences (P>0.05) in the prevalence of taeniasis among various religions of the interviewee. The study revealed the presence of bovine cysticercosis and its public health hazards in the area, which needs increasing awareness about the health impact of taeniasis to safeguard the public.

Key words: Abattoir, Cysticercus bovis, prevalence, public health, Taenia saginata