Bovine metacestodes and its financial loss at export abattoir in Bishoftu, Ethiopia

In most low-income countries including Ethiopia, metacestodes mainly hydatid cysts and Cysticercus bovis play a significant role in causing economic and public health problems. A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2021 to April 2022 to estimate the prevalence, organ distribution, and financial importance of hydatid cysts and Cysticercus bovis in cattle slaughtered at an export slaughterhouse in Bishoftu, Ethiopia. In a cross sectional survey, visual examination of 390 randomly and routinely examined slaughtered cattle of local breeds, 69 (17.7%) and 21 (5.4%) were positive for hydatid cysts and C . bovis , respectively. Regarding the cyst distribution, among the infected organs, lungs were the heavily infected organ with hydatid cysts (68%), and the kidneys were the least affected (4%). The C. bovis commonly infects the tongue (37.5%) and triceps muscle (8.3%). In the studied animals, the financial loss due to hydatid cyst was US$ 150, due to C. bovis US$ 98, and a combined loss of US$ 248. The average calculated financial loss from organ condemnation by both cysts was estimated at US$ 129,563 based on the annual average slaughter rate and export market price of organs in the export abattoir. This study showed a high prevalence of hydatid cysts and C . bovis with a huge financial loss in this area. Therefore, prevention and control of the disease at the state and individual levels are essential and mandatory.