Cystic echinococcosis and cysticerci of Taenia hydatigena in cattle and sheep slaughtered in a Van Local Slaughterhouse

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study on cattle and sheep slaughtered in the Van Local Slaughterhouse, in which some metacestodes were found (Cysticercus tenuicollis, Cyst hydatid), was to determine the status and the prevalence of these parasites which are still widely seen in various regions of Turkey and to determine the distribution of internal organs. METHODS: Organ inspections were performed manually and visually on 525 sheep and 184 cattle which were bred in the Van region and slaughtered in the Van Local Slaughterhouse in the Van region. RESULTS: Five hundred twenty-five sheep and 184 cattle were examined for hydatidosis and the infection rates were found to be 44.4% and Cysticercus tenuicollis infection rate was 27.9%. CONCLUSION: This study indicated that, in slaughtered animals, meat is a common source of cysticerces and the importance cannot be underestimated.