PREVALENCE OF ECHINOCOCCOSIS IN DOGS, CATTLE, SHEEP AND GOATS, LEVEL OF KNOWLEDGE AND ASSOCIATED ECONOMIC LOSSES
Loading...
Date
2018
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
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.