Prevalence of Bovine Hydatidosis in Cattle Slaughtered at Nekemte Municipal Abattoir, Western Ethiopia

Hydatidosis (cystic echinococcosis) is one of the major serious parasite infectious diseases that cause poor weight gain and organ condemnation, which contributes to Ethiopia’s low cattle industry production. A cross‐sectional study was performed at the Nekemte Municipal Abattoir, Western Ethiopia, from October 2020 to August 2021 with the aim of determining the prevalence of bovine hydatid cysts, assessing the related risk factors, and evaluating the organ level of distributions of the cysts. An antemortem examination and postmortem examination were performed as usual on all 220 chosen slaughtered cattle. We evaluated the organs of systemically selected cattle through visual inspection and palpation. Of the total number inspected, 44 (20%) had one or more hydatid cysts in one or more of their organs. Both age and sex of the cattle were significantly associated with the prevalence of bovine hydatidosis (X2 = 5.928; p = 0.015; and X2 = 4.086; p = 0.043, respectively) among the risk factors evaluated. 44 (20%) of the 220 animals evaluated were positive for hydatidosis. In terms of organ distribution, the liver accounted for 27 (61.4%), the lung for 16 (36.3%), and the spleen for 1 (2.3%). 34 (55.8%) of the 62 cysts counted and characterized were found in the liver, 27 (53.6%) in the lung, and 1 (2.3%) in the spleen. 22 (35.5%) of the 62 cysts collected were calcified, and 31 (50%) were found to be fertile. Of the 31 fertile cysts discovered, 7 (22.6%) were found in the liver, 23 (74.2%) in the lungs, and 1 (2.3%) in the spleen. Hydatidosis is still one of the most critical diseases that need careful consideration for prevention and control measures in the East Welega Zone, even with the moderate level of infection currently detected. This is because there appears to be a socioeconomic environment that is conducive to the disease. Therefore, the installation of regulated, well‐equipped abattoirs, public awareness campaigns, and stray dog control are crucial.