Abstract

Both cross-sectional and retrospective studies were conducted from October, 2011 to June, 2012 in and around Harar to determine prevalence, public health and economic significance of bovine hydatidosis. Out of 384 cattle examined with thorough carcass inspection at Harar city municipal abattoir, 36 (9.4%) were found to be infected with hydatid cyst. Significant differences were found among adult and young, poor, medium and good body condition cattle. However, no significant differences were found between sexes. Infected cattle harbored one or more hydatid cysts that were unequally distributed to lung, liver, kidney and spleen. In this study, 27 (52.94%) fertile cysts were observed and the rate of cyst calcification was higher in kidney (50%) than in other visceral organs. The direct and indirect annual financial loss from organ condemnations and carcass weight loss at the abattoir was estimated to be about 841,419.3 ETB. The retrospective case-book survey (2008 to 2011) of hospitals, health centers and clinic were indicated to be 0.195% (n=98,349) prevalence of human hydatidosis. A questionnaire survey and interview were also supplemented to a society in and around Harar to assess public awareness on hydatidosis. For this, 600 individuals (500 for questionnaires and 100 for interviews) were included using stratified random sampling in which educational level and profession were considered for stratification. This questionnaire survey and interview were made giving emphasis to way of acquiring hydatidosis and the individuals’ source of information about the disease as a zoonosis; the result showed schools and health extension workers were the leading information sources in the society. In conclusion, results of the present study showed bovine hydatidosis as an importantly producing great economic loss and public health hazardous at the study area. Therefore, public awareness creation, and appropriate control and prevention mechanisms in animal population should be done.

Key words: Abattoir, bovine, financial loss, hydatidosis, prevalence, public health, Harar, Ethiopia.