Abstract

Camel hydatidosis was studied at Addis Ababa abattoir, Ethiopia to determine the prevalence and financial losses associated. From 501 camels slaughtered, 328 (65.47%) were found harboring hydatid cyst. The prevalence between females and males was statistically significant (2=35.74; P=0.000). Additionally, the disease was significantly different among the age groups (2=18.71; P=0.00) revealing higher prevalence in older animals. In respect to origin, the highest prevalence was observed from Borena (65.67%). The lung (47.90%) was the most frequently affected organ.  Majority of the cysts identified were non calcified cysts. 57.78 and 39.10% of the cysts were found to be fertile in the lung and liver, respectively. Of these fertile cysts 68.27 and 60% were viable in the lung and liver, respectively. 212 lungs, 209 livers, 21 spleens and 2 hearts were totally condemned and these results in financial loss of 1089758.8 ETB (61222.4 US Dollar) annually. In conclusion, hydatidosis is highly prevalent in camels slaughtered at Addis Ababa Abattoir resulting to high economic loss due to organ condemnation. Thus, an effort should be made to control and prevent echinococcosis in the camel herding areas.

Key words: Akaki abattoir, camel hydatidosis, financial loss, prevalence.