THE IMPACT OF METACESTODES IN RUMINANTS SLAUGHTERED AT DEBRE BERHAN MUNICIPALITY ABATTOIR, CENTRAL ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Metacestodes are known to have veterinary and medical importance in different parts of the world. A cross-sectional study was employed from November 2019 to April 2020 at Debre Berhan to determine the prevalence of metacestodes in ruminants slaughtered at Debre Berhan Municipality abattoir, Amhara Region, central Ethiopia. Active abattoir survey, retrospective investigation of abattoir records and face-to-face questionnaire administration were instruments of data collection. Putative risk factors precipitating the occurrence of metacestodes were identified in ruminants. The overall prevalence of metacestodes of cattle, goats and sheep slaughtered at Debre Berhan municipality abattoir was found to be 10.8% (83/768). The prevalence of metacestodes in cattle, goats and sheep was found to be 10.40% (72/692), 17.86% (5/28) and 12.50% (6/48), respectively. The prevalence of C. bovis was estimated to be 1.3% (9/692). The prevalence of bovine hydatidosis in the present study was found to be 9.1% (63/692). Higher prevalence was recorded in cross breed (17.19%) than local breed (8.28%) cattle. Cyst prevalence was recorded in 1.69% of young and 10.63% of adult animals. Higher cyst prevalence was recorded in animals with poor body condition (15.71%) followed by medium (9.47%) and good body condition scores (4.41%). The overall prevalence of hydatid cyst in both goats and sheep was found to be 11.84% (9/76). However, prevalence of hydatid cyst was 14.28% (4/28) in goats and 10.42% (5/48) in sheep. The prevalence of hydatid cyst was slightly higher in goats than sheep. The prevalence of C.cerebralis in this study was 2.63% (2/76). C. bovis and hydatid cysts were found to be distributed in different organs of cattle. The retrospective meat inspection data analysis of 26246 slaughtered cattle over the last three and half years showed an overall prevalence of 9.30% (2441/26246). The prevalence of C. bovis was xiv found to be 0.62% (162/26246) while that of hydatid cyst was shown to be 8.68% (2279/26246). Based on data on the number of cattle condemned organs during the study period and their average retail market price, the direct economic loss was estimated to be 132, 645 ETB. The indirect economic loss was found to be 177,976,077.55 ETB. The total economic losses in the last three and half years due to bovine cysticercosis and hydatidosis in Debre Berhan municipality abattoir was calculated based on the summation of direct economic loss due to organ condemnation and indirect economic loss due to carcass weight loss and it was found to be 178,108,722.55 ETB. There was low level of community awareness and perception at Debre Berhan town towards the transmission of zoonotic tapeworms to humans which was attested by their consumption of raw beef, raw and partially cooked beef and partially cooked beef. Volunteer respondents in Debre Berhan town indicated 33% of them acquired T. saginata, 44% of them did not have knowhow about zoonotic tapeworms and the other 58% of the respondents did not know about the fatality of tapeworms.The present study clearly demonstrated the occurrence of ruminant metacestodes in moderate prevalence in Debre Berhan town which warrants one health approach to institute rational control interventions. Further detailed study in large population over longer duration is recommended.