Prevalence, risk factors, organ distribution, and economic loss of bovine hydatidosis in Woldia municipal abattoir, Northeast Ethiopia

Abstract

Hydatidosis is a parasitic zoonosis of considerable public health and economic importance. Although numerous abattoir-based studies have been conducted in Ethiopia, data from Woldia municipal abattoir remains limited. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and associated risk factors of bovine hydatidosis, identify the distribution and fertility of hydatid cysts in visceral organs, and estimate the economic losses due to organ condemnation and carcass weight reduction. A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2024 to April 2025 on 384 systematic randomly selected cattle slaughtered at Woldia municipal abattoir. Ante‑mortem inspection was performed to record animal characteristics (age, breed, BCS, and origin). Detection of hydatid cysts was carried out during post‑mortem inspection of visceral organs, followed by laboratory characterization of cyst fertility and viability using microscopy and eosin exclusion tests. Logistic regression was applied to assess associations between infection and risk factors. Annual economic loss was estimated from condemned organs and carcass weight reduction loss. The overall prevalence of bovine hydatidosis was 33.3% (95% CI 28.6–38.3). Multivariable regression identified breed (crossbred cattle: aOR = 2.01, 95% CI 1.13–3.58, p = 0.017) and origin (Sanka district: aOR = 3.69, 95% CI 1.07–12.75, p = 0.039) as significant risk factors. Age (adult cattle: aOR = 0.71, 95% CI 0.33–1.52, p = 0.377) and body condition score (medium BCS: aOR = 0.53, 95% CI 0.21–1.31, p = 0.167) were not significantly associated with infection. The lungs (20.8%) and liver (16.2%) were the most affected organs. Of 619 cysts examined, 17.4% were fertile and viable, 23.6% fertile but non‑viable, 43.9% sterile, and 15.0% calcified. The total annual economic burden attributable to bovine hydatidosis was estimated at 1,863,502.27 ETB, comprising indirect productivity losses due to carcass value reduction (1,796,256.00 ETB), alongside direct financial losses arising from organ condemnation (67,246.27 ETB). Bovine hydatidosis is prevalent in Woldia municipal abattoir, with breed and origin identified as significant risk factors. The disease imposes substantial economic losses and zoonotic risk. Control measures including proper disposal of offal, routine deworming of dogs, and farmer awareness programs are recommended to reduce transmission and minimize financial impact.