Abattoir Study of Hydatid Cyst Infestation in Sheep from Different Regions of Iran

Subject Areas : clinical veterinary science

ولی اله Koohdar ¹ , Sh. R Shojaei ² , بهراد Radmehr ³ , فرهاد Pakbaz ⁴

1 - epartment of Food Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Karaj Branch, Iran
2 - Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Karaj Branch, Iran
3 - Department of Food Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Karaj Branch, Iran
4 - Meat Inspector in Karaj Rak Slaughter House, Karaj-Iran

Received: 2016-11-02 Accepted : 2016-11-02 Published : 2009-12-22

Keywords: Iran, Sheep, hydatid cyst, Geographical area,

Abstract :

Hydatidosis caused by Echinococcus granulosus is still an important public health and economic problem in many regions of the world, especially in countries with insufficient hygienic management system. In Iran, Sheep are often bred with traditional extensive methods, where dogs are commonly used to control and guard the flocks, allowing the life cycle of the parasite to perpetuate. This is a zoonotic disease without a specific clinical signs. Final diagnosis in animal can be made only by necropsy or/and post mortem inspection. This survey was conducted to evaluate the current status of hydatid cyst infection in sheep from some parts of Iran. The survey was carried out on 80947 sheep slaughtered in Karaj Rak slaughterhouse From April to November 2007. The geographical origin of each animal was recorded at the slaughterhouse. The post mortem inspection of carcass and offal was carried out to recognize the disease, determination of infected organs and the kind of cysts, after slaughter and determination of age by teeth examination. Of 80947 slaughtered sheep, 1530 (1.89%) were found infected with Echinococcus granulosus hydatid cysts. 60.3% of cysts were fertile. In nineteen regions of this survey, Mashhad (3.83%) and Karaj (0.83) had the highest and lowest contamination, respectively. The prevalence of the disease was dissimilar in different regions and it had decreased, as compared with last decade.