Abstract

A cross-sectional study was conducted on cattle slaughtered in Ambo municipal abattoir with the aim of determining the prevalence, cyst viability, organ distribution and public health significance of bovine cysticercosis. Of the 600 carcasses inspected, 93 (15.5%) were infected with cysticerci. A total of 122 cysts were collected of which 95 (77.87%) were viable while others 27 (22.13%) were degenerated. The anatomical distribution of cysticerci were highest in the shoulder muscles 41(85.4%) followed by masseter muscles 11(78.6%), thigh muscles 17 (77.3%), heart 14 (73.68%), tongue 7 (70%), liver 4 (66.67%) and 1(50%) in the intercostals mussels. The prevalence of cysticercosis varied significantly (P<0.05) with sex, age, breed and origin of animals. Interview was conducted on 180 residents using a structured questionnaire to know the public health significance of the disease. Forty eight (60%) out of 80 respondents from Ambo town, thirty four (68%) out of 50 respondents from Guder woreda and twenty three (46%) out of 50 respondents from Dendi woreda  had contracted the disease at least once in their life time and maximum infestation frequency was two times per year. The infestation varied significantly (P<0.05) with sex, age, place of respondents,  habit of raw meat consumption, religion, marital and educational stutas.

Key words: Ambo, bovine cysticercosis, cyst viability, Dendi, Guder, prevalence, public  health, organ distribution.