Incidence of Hydatid cyst disease in food animals slaughtered at Sokoto Central Abattoir, Sokoto State, Nigeria

An abattoir based study was conducted to determine the incidence of hydatid cyst disease in cattle, camel, sheep and goats, over a one year period (Oct 2003- Sept 2004). Forty six thousand two hundred and twenty three (46223) cattle; 3545 camel; 16345 sheep and 14134 goats were examined at post mortem for evidence of hydatid cyst lesions. Incidences of 34 (0.07%), 318 (8.97%), 23 (0.14%) and 4 (0.03%) were found for cattle, camel, sheep and goats, respectively. Locations of the cyst lesions in the examined animals shows liver was the most predominant site in cattle 21(61.76%), sheep 18(78.26%) and goats 3(75.0%). For camels, lungs showed the most number of CE lesions 291(91.51%). Overall, the least number of hydatid cyst lesions were observed in the heart. There was significant association (p < 0.001) between the species of animals and infection. The public health importance of the disease and the findings were discussed.