Preliminary investigation of cystic echinoccoccosis in animals slaughtered in Delta State, South-South, Nigeria

Aims: Cystic Echinoccoccosis (CE) or hydatid disease (HD) is a wide-spread zoonotic disease caused by the cestode parasite Echinoccoccus granulosus (sl). This study was aimed to carry out a preliminary investigation on the prevalence of the disease in animals slaughtered in Delta State, Nigeria. Study Design: A cross sectional study to determine the status of CE in 5 towns in Delta State, Nigeria was undertaken between the months of August 2021 – July 2022. Methodology: 1132 animals comprising of cattle, goats and pigs were investigated for the presence of hydatid cysts at postmortem. Information on knowledge, perception and risk factors of the disease among 500 randomly selected individuals was also investigated using a structured questionnaire. Results: Of the 1132 animals, 11 were positive for cystic echinoccoccosis giving an overall prevalence of 0.97%. Prevalence was highest in Obiaruku (3.01%), followed by Abraka (0.88%) and lowest in Eku (0%) (P=0.012). Cattle were the most infected followed by goats and the least was pigs with prevalence values of 2.9%, 0.37% and 0.32% respectively (P=0.266). All infected animals were females and aged ≥ 4years, difference in the rate of infection across sex and age group was not statistically significant. Association between prevalence and risk factors (sex and age) was not statistically significant (P=0.189% and 0.169% respectively). Eleven visceral organs harbored one or more hydatid cysts and the occurrence of cysts was 100% in the liver. A total of 12 hydatid cysts were recovered from visceral organs and classified as ‘small’ and ‘fertile’ cysts. There was no association (P=0.560) between size of cyst and organs infected. Analysis of questionnaire revealed that 82% of respondents are ignorant of the disease, 85% disposed infected offal indiscriminately and 90% practice home slaughtering of animals. Conclusion: This study has revealed a potential for increased transmission of CE within the area due to prevalent factors that could favor transmission and this calls for concern. There is therefore need for further investigation to ascertain a clearer picture of the disease status in the area. Routine meat inspection and regular visits by health officials to abattoirs as well as public enlightenment on this disease is advocated.