Echinococcus granulosus in the Northern Territory,Australia: hydatid disease reported in beef cattle from the region

Hydatid disease in beef cattle has been reported to be widespread throughout Australia, but cattle bred and raised in the Northern Territory were previously believed to be free of the disease. Between 2010 and 2016, 1061 cattle from the Northern Territory were slaughtered at a New South Wales abattoir and inspected for hydatid disease. The proportion of cattle reported infected with hydatid disease was 3.5%. Individual cattle identification numbers indicated that the cattle included in the study had most likely remained within the Northern Territory from birth until immediately prior to slaughter, so were assumed to have become infected within the region. We suspect that the sylvatic cycle of Echinococcus granulosus transmission could be responsible for infection of cattle in this region.     

Abattoir condemnation due to parasitic infections and its economic implications in the region of Trikala,Greece

The prevalence of parasitic infections responsible for the condemnation of carcasses and viscera during meat inspection, and their economic implication, was estimated in a year long abattoir survey of 10 277 slaughtered farm animals in the region of Trikala, Greece. The organs examined for the presence of parasitic lesions during meat inspection were: liver and lungs of all animals, rumen of cattle, small intestine of lambs and kids, and muscles of cattle and swine. The parasitic lesions observed in the lungs of cattle, sheep and goats were caused only by hydatid cysts. No hydatid cysts were observed in the lungs of swine. The parasitic lesions observed in the liver of cattle, sheep and goats were as a result of hydatid cysts and flukes of Fasciola hepatica and Dicrocoelium dendriticum, while those of swine were due to milk spots only. Moniezia sp. proglottids were found in the small intestine of lambs only. The prevalence of parasites responsible for the condemnation of marketable organs was low (0.26%). Parasites were responsible for 22% of the total of condemned organs, and their annual cost was 99, 00 GDR (approximately 292 Euros). The parasites most contributing to marketable organ condemnation were hydatid cysts (26%) and D. dendriticum flukes (26%).     

Abattoir Condemnation due to Parasitic Infections and its Economic Implications in the Region of Trikala,Greece

The prevalence of parasitic infections responsible for the condemnation of carcasses and viscera during meat inspection, and their economic implication, was estimated in a year long abattoir survey of 10 277 slaughtered farm animals in the region of Trikala, Greece. The organs examined for the presence of parasitic lesions during meat inspection were: liver and lungs of all animals, rumen of cattle, small intestine of lambs and kids, and muscles of cattle and swine. The parasitic lesions observed in the lungs of cattle, sheep and goats were caused only by hydatid cysts. No hydatid cysts were observed in the lungs of swine. The parasitic lesions observed in the liver of cattle, sheep and goats were as a result of hydatid cysts and flukes of Fasciola hepatica and Dicrocoelium dendriticum, while those of swine were due to milk spots only. Moniezia sp. proglottids were found in the small intestine of lambs only. The prevalence of parasites responsible for the condemnation of marketable organs was low (0.26%). Parasites were responsible for 22% of the total of condemned organs, and their annual cost was 99 500 GDR (～€292). The parasites most contributing to marketable organ condemnation were hydatid cysts (26%) and D. dendriticum flukes (26%).     

Echinococcus granulosus in northern Queensland. 1. Prevalence in cattle

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and geographical distribution of hydatidosis and investigate factors that might be expected to influence the prevalence of hydatids in cattle in Queensland north of the Tropic of Capricorn. To determine the effect of natural levels of infection on carcase weight and subsequent economic loss. PROCEDURE: An abattoir survey conducted in 1981 provided information on the distribution, prevalence and viability of hydatid cysts in cattle from all shires north of the Tropic of Capricorn in Queensland. Livers, lungs and spleens from 10,382 cattle were palpated at abattoirs in Cairns, Townsville and Rockhampton to detect hydatid cysts. Prevalence of infection in cattle in each shire was estimated from results of the abattoir study together with reports of infection in a further 22,185 cattle obtained from abattoir records. Linear modelling was used to define the effect of geographical origin, age, breed and sex on prevalence of infection. Differences in the weights of carcases between infected and non-infected cattle of the same age, sex, breed and property of origin were examined. The economic loss to the beef industry in the region surveyed was estimated. RESULTS: Cattle infected with hydatids originated almost entirely from regions to the east of the Great Dividing Range. The mean prevalence inside this zone was 28% compared with 3% in other areas. Viable protoscoleces were found in 0.7% of cysts. Geographical origin and age of the cattle were the most significant factors influencing prevalence. Infection with hydatids had no effect on carcase weight. Economic loss was limited to that associated with condemnations of organs at meat inspection, estimated to be 0.5 million dollars per annum in 1981 and 6 million dollars in 2004. The distribution of hydatids in Queensland north of the Tropic of Capricorn corresponded most closely with the distribution of small wallabies such as Macropus dorsalis (black-striped wallaby), M parryi (whiptail wallaby) and M rufogriseus (red-necked wallaby). CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that cattle are not an important part of maintaining the life-cycle of E granulosus in Queensland north of the Tropic of Capricorn. Within the endemic zone, which is almost all to the east of the Great Dividing Range, the local pattern of bovine echinococcosis is most likely to be determined by the presence or absence of small species of wallaby such as M dorsalis, M parryi and M rufogriseus.     

Hydatidosis of slaughtered animals in Bahir Dar Abattoir,Northwestern Ethiopia

The study was conducted from May 2005 to December 2006 in Bahir Dar Abattoir to assess the current status of hydatidosis in cattle and sheep. Hydatid cyst count and characterization were conducted based on routine meat inspection. Of the total 420 cattle and 340 sheep slaughtered in Bahir Dar Abattoir 143 (34.05%) and 36 (10.6%) animals were found harboring hydatid cysts respectively. Thorough meat inspection in the abattoir revealed that 202 and 54 visceral organs were found harboring one or more hydatid cysts in cattle and sheep respectively. Differences in prevalence rates between the two species of animals were highly significant (P < 0.001). The infection of the lung, liver, kidney, spleen and heart were found to be 57.9% , 36.6% , 3% , 1.5% , 1% in cattle and 50%, 48.1% and 1.9% in sheep respectively. From the total of 864 in cattle and 138 in sheep hydatid cysts counted 315 (36.4%), 268 (31.0%), 65 (7.5%), 216 (25.0%) in cattle and 92 (66.7%), 20 (14.5%), 1 (0.7%), 25 (18.1%) in sheep were found to be small, medium, large and calcified cysts respectively and 484 (56.0%), 164 (18.9%), 216 (25%) in cattle and 35 (25.4%), 78 (56.5%), 25 (18.1%) in sheep were sterile, fertile and calcified cysts respectively. Viability rates of 62.2% in cattle and 78.2% in sheep were observed. The rate of cyst calcification was higher in the liver than in the lung while fertility rate was higher among the cysts of the lung for both cattle and sheep.     

An estimate of specificity for a Johne's disease absorbed ELISA in northern Australian cattle

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the specificity of an absorbed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit for Johne's disease (JD) when used in mature cattle populations resident in northern Australia. DESIGN: Blood samples were collected from beef cattle in northern Queensland, the Northern Territory and northern Western Australia, and from dairy cattle in northern Queensland. The specificity of a serological test for JD was estimated by testing the blood samples with an absorbed ELISA kit. Further samples were collected from cattle with positive ELISA results to determine the presence or absence of infection with Mycobacterium avium subsp paratuberculosis. PROCEDURE: During 1995 and 1996, blood, tissue and gut contents were collected from beef cattle at abattoirs in Queensland and the Northern Territory; and blood and faecal samples were collected from dairy cattle in herds assessed to be most at risk for JD in northern Queensland. The blood samples were tested using an absorbed ELISA kit. Tissues and gut contents from beef cattle that had positive ELISA results were cultured for M. avium subsp paratuberculosis, and tissues were examined histologically. Faecal samples from dairy cattle with positive ELISA results were cultured for M. avium subsp paratuberculosis. RESULTS: Estimates of specificity for this absorbed ELISA in mature northern Australian cattle were 98.0% (97.0 to 98.8%, 95% CI) in beef cattle, and 98.3% (96.7 to 99.3%, 95% CI) in dairy cattle. CONCLUSION: Estimates of specificity in this study were lower for beef cattle from the Northern Territory and northern Western Australia and for dairy cattle from northern Queensland than those quoted from studies on cattle in southern Western Australia. This should be considered when serological testing using the JD ELISA is carried out on northern Australian cattle.     

Hydatidosis of slaughtered cattle in Wolaita Sodo Abattoir,southern Ethiopia

The study was carried out from July 2007 to June 2008 in Wolaita Sodo Abattoir to assess the status of hydatidosis in cattle. Routine meat inspection, hydatid cyst count and characterization were conducted. Out of 400 cattle slaughtered in Wolaita Sodo Abattoir 64 (16%) animals were found harboring hydatid cysts. Thorough meat inspection in the abattoir revealed that 74 visceral organ were found harboring one or more hydatid cysts. The infection of the lung, liver, spleen and kidney were found to be 45.94% 45.94%, 6.75% and 1.35% respectively. From the total of 283 hydatid cysts counted 153(54.06%), 17(6.00%), 5(1.76%), 108(38.16%) were found to be small, medium, large and calcified cysts respectively and 170(60.28%), 5(1.76%) and 108(38.16%) were sterile, fertile and calcified cysts respectively. The rate of cyst calcification was higher in the liver than in the lung while fertility rate was higher among the cysts of the lung. Hydatid cyst viability rate of 40% was observed.     

An estimate of specificity for a Johne's disease absorbed ELISA in northern Australian cattle

Objective To estimate the specificity of an absorbed enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay kit^d for Johne's disease (JD) when used in mature cattle populations resident in northern Australia.
Design Blood samples were collected from beef cattle in northern Queensland, the Northern Territory and northern Western Australia, and from dairy cattle in northern Queensland. The specificity of a serological test for JD was estimated by testing the blood samples with an absorbed ELISA kit. Further samples were collected from cattle with positive ELISA results to determine the presence or absence of infection with Mycobacterium avium subsp paratuberculosis .
Procedure During 1995 and 1996, blood, tissue and gut contents were collected from beef cattle at abattoirs in Queensland and the Northern Territory; and blood and faecal samples were collected from dairy cattle in herds assessed to be most at risk for JD in northern Queensland. The blood samples were tested using an absorbed ELISA kit. Tissues and gut contents from beef cattle that had positive ELISA results were cultured for M avium subsp paratuberculosis , and tissues were examined histo-logically. Faecal samples from dairy cattle with positive ELISA results were cultured for M avium subsp paratuberculosis .
Results Estimates of specificity for this absorbed ELISA in mature northern Australian cattle were 98.0% (97.0 to 98.8%, 95% CI) in beef cattle, and 98.3% (96.7 to 99.3%, 95% CI) in dairy cattle.
Conclusion Estimates of specificity in this study were lower for beef cattle from the Northern Territory and northern Western Australia and for dairy cattle from northern Queensland than those quoted from studies on cattle in southern Western Australia. This should be considered when serological testing using the JD ELISA is carried out on northern Australian cattle.     

Fertility and viability rates of hydatid cysts in slaughtered animals in the Mazandaran Province,Northern Iran

The aim of this study was to determine the fertility and viability of hydatid cysts in slaughtered sheep and cattle. Cysts were collected from the liver and lungs of 169 sheep and 171 cattle infected with Echinococcus granulosus when slaughtered in industrial abattoir in Sari, Iran, 2007–2008. Fertility was determined by the examination of cyst fluid for the presence of protoscoleces. The viability of the protoscoleces was assessed by staining with 0.1% aqueous eosin solution. The fertility rates of hepatic cyst of sheep and cattle were 47.1% and 1.4%, respectively and the fertility rates of pulmonary cyst of sheep and cattle were 39.4% and 8.1%. In the sheep, the fertility of cysts in the liver was higher than that in lungs, but in the cattle the fertility of cysts in lungs was higher than liver. The viability of protoscoleces of fertile cysts for sheep and cattle were about 76.9% and 82.5%, respectively. Based on the finding in the present study, effort should be made to control transmission of cystic echinococcosis by safe disposal of Echinococcus cysts such that dogs cannot have access to the cysts.     

Application of ultrasonography in prevalence studies of hydatid cysts in goats in north-western Turkana, Kenya and Toposaland, southern Sudan

A study was done to determine the prevalence of hydatid cysts in goats using ultrasonography. A total of 1,390 goats were examined, 43,6 % (606/1,390) of them from north-western Turkana, Kenya, and 56,4% (784/1,390) from Toposaland, southern Sudan. Hydatid cysts were visualized in 1,82 % (11/ 606) of the goats from north-western Turkana and 4,34% (34/784) of those from Toposaland. Unlike abattoir surveys, the prevalence data obtained in this study were unbiased because entire flocks were examined. The lower prevalence rate of the disease in goats from Turkana was attributed to the hydatid disease control programme in that area, which is absent in Toposaland.     

Occurrence and financial loss assessment of cystic echinococcosis (hydatidosis) in cattle slaughtered at Wolayita Sodo municipal abattoir,Southern Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study aimed at determining the prevalence and cyst characteristics and estimating the financial loss due to cystic echinococcosis (hydatidosis) in cattle slaughtered at Wolayita Sodo municipal abattoir was conducted from November 2009 to April 2010. Out of 546 cattle examined, 92 (16.85%) were found to harbor visible hydatid cysts. Significantly higher infection was detected in local (P < 0.05) than crossbred cattle. No significant variation was observed with regard to origin, sex, and body condition status of animals. Regarding organ distribution, infections of the lung, liver, spleen, and kidney were 57.78%, 35.46%, 8.75%, and 4.01%, respectively. Of the total 1,097 hydatid cysts counted, 952 (86.78%), 136 (12.4%), and eight (0.82%) were found to be small-sized, medium-sized, and large-sized, respectively. Likewise, out of 450 cysts assessed, 138 (30.67%) were fertile, 241 (53.56%) sterile, and 71 (15.78%) calcified. Of the 138 fertile cysts subjected for viability test, 13 (9.42%) were viable while 125 (90.57%) were nonviable. Moreover, assessment of annual economic loss due to bovine hydatidosis at Wolayita Sodo municipal abattoir from offal condemnation and carcass weight loss was estimated at 410,755.90 Ethiopian Birr (ETB; 30,202.64 US; 1 US; 1 US = 13.60 ETB). Despite the moderate magnitude of infection detected currently, there seems to be an existing socioeconomic situation favorable for hydatidosis, and hence, it remains one of the most important diseases warranting serious attention for prevention and control actions in Wolayita zone. Hence, establishment of well-equipped standardized abattoirs, creation of public awareness, and control of stray dogs are of paramount importance.     

Prevalence of bovine cysticercosis and hydatidosis in Jimma municipal abattoir, South West Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study to determine the prevalence of bovine cysticercosis and hydatidosis was conducted from October 2007 to March 2008 in cattle slaughtered at the Jimma municipal abattoir. Cyst distribution and viability of bovine cysticercosis and hydatidosis were also determined. A total of 512 carcasses were inspected of which 15 (2.93%) and 161 (31.44%) were infected with Taenia saginata metacestodes and hydatid cysts, respectively. From a total of 109 cysticerci collected from infected carcasses, 47 (43.12%) were viable. The anatomical distribution of the cysticerci was, shoulder muscle (39.5%), heart (33.9%), neck muscle (13.8%), tongue (10.1%), masseter muscles (1.8%) and diaphragm (0.9%). Of the 1171 hydatid cysts collected 223 (19.0%) were fertile, 505 (43.1%) sterile, 49 (29.8%) calcified and 94 (8.0%) contained pus. A greater proportion of fertile cysts were found in the lungs than in other organs. It was concluded that these zoonotic cestodes deserve due attention to safeguard public health, and that further studies are needed on genotyping, epidemiology and public health importance of Echinococcus granulosus in the study area.     

The prevalence of cysticercosis and hydatidosis in Ethiopian sheep

Five hundred and sixty sheep, slaughtered at an Addis Ababa abattoir, were examined for cysticercosis and hydatidosis. The prevalence of the metacestodes of Taenia hydatigena was 37.1% and that of Echinococcus granulosus 16.4%. In addition, the age and sex prevalences of hydatid cysts, their organ distribution and the ratio of fertile cysts were determined.     

Study on the prevalence of cystic hydatidosis and its economic significance in cattle slaughtered at Hawassa Municipal abattoir,Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2008 to March 2009 to assess the status of cystic hydatidosis in cattle slaughtered at Hawassa Municipal abattoir. Out of the total 632 cattle examined visually and manually (palpation and incision), 333 (52.69%) were found harboring hydatid cysts. A significantly higher infection was detected in older cattle (P < 0.05, χ ² = 4.36) than young. Regarding body condition score, no significant variation (P > 0.05, χ ² = 2.148) was observed as the prevalence was 54.55% for lean cattle followed by medium (53.83%) and fat (46.88%). Of the total 333 infected, 123 (36.9%) had hydatid cysts only in the lung, 23 (6.9%) in the liver, 12 (3.6%) in the spleen, five (1.5%) in the heart, and three (0.9%) in the kidney while the rest 167 (50.2%) had multiple organ infections. Of the 530 viscera harboring hydatid cysts, the highest (52.83%) was lung followed by liver (34.15%), spleen (9.06%), heart (3.39%), and kidney (0.56%). Size assessment made on 874 cysts indicated that 308 (35.3%) were small, 251 (28.7%) medium, 89 (10.2%) large, and 226 (25.9%) were calcified. The distribution of characterized cysts in different organs based on their size was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.05). In addition, out of the total 874 cysts collected, 26.9% were fertile, 47.3% sterile, and 25.9% calcified or purulent cysts. There was a significant difference in fertility of cyst from different organs (P < 0.05, χ ² = 27.96), those of lung origin being highly fertile. Likewise, out of the 121 fertile cysts subjected for viability test, 68 (56.2%) were viable. Considering the current result, the total annual economic loss from organ condemnation and carcass weight loss due to bovine hydatidosis at Hawassa Municipal abattoir was estimated at 1,791,625.89 Ethiopian Birr (ETB; 1USD = 12.93ETB). Results in the study were discussed in light of the situation in different parts of Ethiopia and abroad, and finally, relevant recommendations were forwarded.     

The prevalence, organ distribution and fertility of cystic echinoccosis in feral pigs in tropical North Queensland, Australia

An investigation was carried out to study the prevalence of Echinococcus granulosus hydatidosis in feral pigs (Sus domesticus) in the Charters Towers region of tropical North Queensland. Data were collected from a total of 238 carcasses, which were hunted and shot in the Burdekin River catchment area. Organs of the abdominal, thoracic, and pelvic cavities were examined for the presence of hydatid cysts. In the laboratory, cysts and hydatid cyst fluids were examined under a stereoscopic binocular microscope and a compound microscope. An overall prevalence of E. granulosus hydatid cysts in feral pigs was found to be 31.1%. There was no significant difference in either sex or age between infected and non-infected feral pigs. The predilection sites of cysts were livers (23%) and lungs (62%), with more cysts in lungs (252) than livers (48). The ratio of livers to lungs infected with fertile cysts was 1:4 compared to 1:8 sterile cysts. The overall fertility of cysts was 70.1%. The percentage of fertile cysts in liver and lung was 79.2% and 68.7%, respectively. The diameter of fertile cysts ranged from 15 to over 60 mm. There was no significant difference in size between fertile and non-fertile cysts in lungs. The high prevalence rate and fertility of cysts in feral pigs confirm that feral pigs can take part in the sylvatic cycle of the parasite in the region. The public health significance of this observation is potentially very important.     

Longitudinal fracture of the scapula in a dog

A survey was carried out at Kano abattoir in order to estimate the incidence of hydatidosis and cysticercosis in slaughtered livestock. Of the animal species examined, hydatid disease was found in sheep (11.4 per cent), goats (26.5 per cent), cattle (14.7 per cent) and camels (55.5 per cent). Cysticercus tenuicollis was found to be most prevalent in goats (34.2 per cent), followed by sheep (21.4 per cent) and cattle (0.1 per cent). Out of 4844 cattle examined, less than 2 per cent haboured Cysticercus bovis cysts; while Cysticercus ovis cysts were found in sheep (1 per cent) and goats (0.8 per cent).     

Cysticercosis of slaughtered cattle in northwestern Ethiopia

The occurrence of cysticercosis due to Taenia saginata in cattle slaughtered for meat in Amhara National Regional State, northwestern Ethiopia between September 2005 and February 2007 was investigated. Routine meat inspection of various organs of 4456 cattle in eight abattoirs of this region showed that 824 (18.49%) were infected with Cysticercus bovis. The occurrence rate did not vary significantly from abattoir to abattoir (P>0.5). The tongue, masseter muscles, heart muscles, triceps muscles and thigh muscles were the main predilection sites of the cysts. Of 4102 male cattle, examined, 768 (18.72%) had cysts of C. bovis while 56 (15.82%) of the 354 female animals investigated were infected. The animals slaughtered were all adults. No significant difference in occurrence was recorded between the sexes. Monthly occurrence of the cysts in the animals revealed a rise of infected animals during the dry season.     

Abattoir survey on cattle hydatidosis in Tigray Region of Ethiopia

A cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted from November 2006 to October 2007 to determine the epidemiology of bovine hydatidosis in cattle slaughtered at Mekelle Municipal abattoir in Tigray Region of Ethiopia. A one-year long ante and post mortem examination of 4481 cattle slaughtered at the abattoir showed a prevalence of 32.1% (1,439) for hydatidosis. The percentage of hydatid cysts in different internal organs was observed as 25.62% in the lung, 12.56% in the liver, 0.47% in the heart, 0.17% in the kidney and 0.42% in the spleen, respectively. In this study, the lung was found to be the most predominantly affected organ (63.0%) followed by the liver (36.4%). As regards size of the cyst, the small sized cysts had the highest percentage (80.39%), followed by medium sized cysts (10.90%) and large sized cysts (8.69%). The monthly prevalence of hydatidosis was highest (36.44%) in July and lowest (25.11%) in April indicating that different seasons significantly affect its prevalence (χ² = 30.3013, d.f. = 11, and p = 0.003). Age, sex, breed and origin of animal didn’t have significant effect (p > 0.05) on prevalence of the disease; however, body condition score had statistically significant effect on the disease prevalence (χ² = 17.8481, d.f. = 2, p < 0.001). Of the 7,315 cysts examined for fertility and viability, 2349 (32.11%) were sterile, 3979 (54.39%) calcified, 782 (10.66%) fertile and viable while 205 (2.80%) were fertile but nonviable. It was observed that hepatic and pulmonary cysts had fertility rate of 11.75% and 13.83%, respectively. Out of the total cysts examined, the proportion of viable protoscoleces was 10.69%. The present study provides baseline data on the current status of the disease in the area.     

A retrospective survey of hydatidosis in livestock in Shiraz, Iran, based on abattoir data during 1999-2004

Meat inspection records in an abattoir located in Shiraz, a city in southwest Iran and the capital of Fars province, during a 5-year period from 20 March 1999 to 19 March 2004 were used to determine the prevalence of hydatidosis in sheep, cattle, and goats in the region. A total of 844,039 animals (cattle 131,716; sheep 577,090; goats 135,233) slaughtered in the 5-year period and overall 34,856 (4.1%) livers and 123,402 (14.62%) lungs were condemned. Hydatidosis was responsible for 28.7 and 15.4% of total livers and lungs condemnations, respectively. The overall trend for all livestock and in both organs was a significant downward one. The annual prevalence of liver condemnations due to hydatidosis was decreased from 2.1, 1.8, and 1.0% in 1999-2000 to 0.62, 0.33, and 0.20% in 2003-2004 for cattle, sheep, and goats, respectively. The corresponding features for lung condemnation due to hydatidosis were relatively higher than liver, declining from 3.0, 4.6, and 4.4% in 1999-2000 to 1.3, 1.5, and 0.56% in 2003-2004, for cattle, sheep, and goats, respectively. Greater awareness among farmers, destruction of organs containing hydatid cysts, prevention of access of dogs to raw offals and implementation of national rabies control program could be responsible factors. Data showed significant seasonal pattern for hydatidosis in all species. Liver condemnations due to hydatidosis were higher in the spring and summer for sheep, whereas lung condemnations were higher in summer for both sheep and goats. Liver and lung condemnations in cattle were higher in winter. This could be attributed to various factors such as sources of slaughtered animals, changes in management practice and ecological factors. The overall trend was relatively the same when annual condemnations were adjusted for the effect of seasonal variation. The present survey provides baseline data for the future monitoring of this potentially important parasitic disease in the region.     

Prevalence and serology of hydatidosis in large ruminants of Pakistan

Hydatidosis was seen in 38.90% of cattle, 33.06% of buffaloes and 58.9% of camels slaughtered at a local abattoir. No statistically significant seasonal difference in prevalence was observed. Most cysts (63.14%) were infertile. Protein and carbohydrate contents of fluid from fertile and infertile cysts did not differ significantly. Sensitivity, specificity and efficiency of indirect haemagglutination test and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were low.