Prevalence and Economic Significance of Hidatidosis in Cattle Slaughtered at an Abattoir in Konya, Turkey

Abstract

Objective:This study was conducted to determine the period prevalence of hydatid cysts isolated from the livers of cattle slaughtered at a slaughterhouse in Konya.Methods:For this purpose, 49,545 cattle were slaughtered and examined for the presence of hydatid cysts in the liver. The study was conducted between June 01, 2018, and May 31, 2019.Results:The highest prevalence of hydatid cysts was observed in autumn 10.83% followed by spring 4.41%, winter 2.90%, and summer 2.66%, with an overall prevalence of 3.93%. Considering the month wise prevalence of hydatid cyst, the highest infection rate was detected in September (7.87%), June (7.16%) and August (7.14%), while the lowest prevalence was observed in February (2.72%) and January (2.83%). In gender-wise investigation, highest prevalence was observed in females (24.65%) during the summer and 18.45% inthe spring. In male animals, the infection rate was very low compared with females. However, the highest prevalence in males was observed throughout the year in autumn (2.36%) and the lowest prevalence in winter (1.68%). The highest prevalence was found among female cattle in heifers in winter (6.52%) and cows in summer (27.52%).Conclusion:The overall economic losses of 56,434 USD were estimated due to discarded hydatid cyst-infected livers during the study period. This study enlightens the prevalence and economic significance of hydatidosis in Konya.

Keywords

• economic loss
• liver hydatidosis
• konya
• cattle
• prevalence