Abstract

A cross-sectional study was carried out from November, 2013 to April, 2014 at Adama municipal abattoir to determine the prevalence of bovine hydatidosis and assess its direct financial loss due to organs condemnation. Postmortem examination, hydatid cyst characterization and direct financial loss estimations were conducted on slaughtered animals by systematic random sampling technique. Out of 450 local zebu cattle slaughtered, 54% were found to be positive for Bovine hydatidosis and the infestation among different age groups of examined animals were vary and found to be statistically significant (p<0.05), with the highest in old aged cattle (>5 years) (64.5%) and adult (3 to 5 years) (45.6%). There was statistically significant difference between infection rate and body condition score of the animals with (62.9%) lean, (50.28%) medium and (39.74%) fat body condition. The anatomical distribution of the cysts indicated as lung 241 (47.55%), liver 183 (40.66%), spleen 8 (1.77%) and Kidney 3 (0.66%). Out of the total cyst identified, 567 were found in lung, 444 in liver, 23 in spleen and 11 in kidney. Out of the total counted, 451 of the cyst were small, 363 were medium, 77 were large and 154 were calcified. The total annual direct financial loss was estimated to be ($45, 968.12) 89, 6378.4 Ethiopian Birr. The present study indicated that Bovine hydatidosis was highly prevalent and it causes a huge financial loss. Thus, veterinary activities such as improvement of slaughter hygiene, proper meat inspection, and proper disposal of condemned offals as well as awareness creation among animal owners are recommended.

Key words: Abattoir, Adama, cattle, financial significance, prevalence, zebu.