Prevalence of Hydatid Cyst in Slaughtered Livestock in Kermanshah (West Iran)

Abstract

Background: Hydatidosis or echinococcosis is one of the most important economic and public health problems in many regions of the world that livestock are kept such as Iran. This study was to determine the prevalence of hydatid cyst in slaughtered livestock in Kermanshah (west Iran) (2012). Methods: This descriptive-analytic study was carried out on all slaughtered livestock during 24 months period, from March 2012 until February 2013. 70,020 carcasses were observed and inspected (including: 24,507 cattle, 35,010 sheep and 10,503 goats). All cysts were examined under direct microscopy for determine the kind of cysts (fertile and infertile cyst). Results: The prevalence of hydatid cyst was 2.20% in cattle, 2.78% in sheep and 0.19% in goat. Liver in cattle with 1.42%, in sheep with 2.25%, and in goat with 0.13% was contaminated. Also lung in cattle with 0.76%, in sheep with 0.53%, and in goat with 0.06% was contaminated. Heart was contaminated only in cattle with 0.024%. Sheep with 45% and goat with 90.47% had highest fertile cyst and infertile cyst, respectively. Conclusion: The prevalence rate of hydatid cyst in slaughtered livestock in Kermanshah was lowest, as compared with other regions of Iran. Despite this, hygienic programs should be done in order to decrease, control and prevent of parasitic infection.