Browsing by Author "MABEL INYANGALA GACHENGO"

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    PREVALENCE OF ECHINOCOCCOSIS IN DOGS, CATTLE, SHEEP AND GOATS, LEVEL OF KNOWLEDGE AND ASSOCIATED ECONOMIC LOSSES
    (2018) MABEL INYANGALA GACHENGO
    Cystic Echinococcosis (CE) is an emerging and re-emerging zoonotic infection caused by the larval stage of the dog tapeworm of the genus Echinococcus. It causes great public health and economic problems and remains neglected in Sub-Saharan Africa. The level of knowledge is poor in most developing countries. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of echinococcosis and its trend, level of knowledge and associated economic losses in Laikipia West Sub-County. A total of 4969 animals (522 cattle, 3428 sheep and 1019 goats) slaughtered in abattoirs were inspected for hydatid cysts; a questionnaire was administered to one adult member from each of the 300 household using mobile data collection Kit. Faecal samples from 401dogs were used to determine prevalence of echinococcosis in dogs. Data from Veterinary office meat inspection reports 2010-2014 were used to determine trends and associated economic losses due to CE. The prevalence of CE in slaughtered animals was 8.8% in cattle, 1.7% in sheep and 1.7% in goats. Prevalence of echinococcosis in dogs was 0.5% (2/401). The level of knowledge of echinococcosis was 25% (n=300). A total of 98,495 animals were inspected during the period 2010-2014 and results showed an increasing trend with time for both prevalence and economic loss. There was evidence of CE transmission and the level of knowledge of Echinococcosis was low. The public health implications and economic losses call for concerted control efforts. More elaborate studies on echinococcosis are recommended in dogs and man.