INCIDENCE OF HYDATIDOSIS IN SLAUGHTERED SHEEP AND GOATS

Abstract

Hydatidosis, caused by the larval stage of the dog tapeworm, Echinococcus granulosus is considered to be an important condition in herbivores such as cattle, buffaloes, sheep and goats. Due to its presence in the food animals meant for meat purpose, the disease is considered to be of economic and public health significance owing to the impact it produces on the meat industry by condemnation of the affected organs. Food animals such as sheep, goats get infected by accidental ingestion of contaminated feed and water with the eggs of the tapeworm. Development of the cysts in the intermediate host such as sheep and goats occurs in the lungs, liver and other visceral organs. The disease remains asymptomatic in most cases in spite of the presence of the hydatid cysts for a long period. A study was undertaken to find out the incidence of the hydatid cysts in sheep and goats in the Corporation slaughter house by examination of the carcasses of the slaughtered sheep and goats. By the study, an overall incidence of 6.5% in sheep and 5.8% in goats were observed with the sheep harbouring more number of fertile hydatid cysts which plays a major role in dissemination of infection to dogs.