ABSTRACT A cross-sectional study aimed at determining the prevalence, cyst characteristics and estimating the financial loss due to cystic echinococcosis (hydatidosis) in cattle slaughtered at Durame municipal abattoir was conducted from November 2015 to April 2016. Postmortem examination was carried out on 400 Cattles were randomly Selected and slaughtered at the abattoir through visual inspection, palpation and incision of suspected organs (lung, liver, heart, spleen and kidney). Out of examined animals, 94 (23.5%) were found to harbor visible hydatid cysts. Significantly higher infection was detected in cattle’s with poor body conditions and old age (P<0.05) than animals with medium, good body condition score and adult respectively. The association of anticipated risk factors with the occurrence of hydatidosis in animals was analyzed and no statistically significance (P> 0.05) difference was observes among the sex breed and origion of the animals slaughtered at Durame municipal abattoir. Regarding organ distribution, infections of the lung, liver, lung and liver, kidney, spleen and heart were 70.26%, 22.41%, 6.03%, 0.43%, 0.43%, and 0.43% respectively. From the total cysts collected during the study period, only 97 cysts were characterized from this 27(27.83%), 49 (50.52%), and 20(20.62%) were found to be small-sized, medium-sized, and large-sized, respectively. Likewise, out of 92 cysts assessed for fertility, 44(47.8%), 24 (26.1%), and 24 (26.1%) were, fertile,sterile and calcified respectively. Of the 44 fertile cysts subjected for viability test, 41 (93.2%) were viable while 3 (6.8%) were nonviable. Moreover, assessment of annual economic loss due to bovine hydatidosis at Durame municipal abattoir from offal condemnation was estimated at 78,903 ETB (Ethiopian Birr). Despite the moderate magnitude of infection detected currently, there seems to be an existing management situation favorable for hydatidosis, and hence, it remains one of the most important diseases warranting serious attention for prevention and control actions in Durame Town. Hence, establishment of well-equipped standardized abattoirs, creation of awareness on risks of backyard slaughtering, and control of stray dogs are of paramount importance.

Keywords: Hydatidosis,Prevalence,Economic significance,Ethiopia,Durame