Abstract:
A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2015 to April 2016 to estimate the prevalence
and risk factors associated with the hydatidosis incurred due to the disease in cattle slaughtered at
Hawassa municipal abattoir. Among the total of 400 cattle examined, 164(41%) of them had harbored hydatid
cyst(s) in their organs. From the total of 80 hydatid cysts collected and characterized, these
78.67%(129), 54.3%(89), 2.43%(4), 0.6%(1) and 0.6%(1) of them were obtained from lung, liver, spleen, kidney
and heart respectively. Of the 80 hydatid cysts collected and examined for status of fertility, sterility and
calcification 14(17.5%) were fertile, 39(48.75%) sterile and 27(33.75%) calcified and out of 14 fertile cysts tested
for viability, 10(12.5%) were viable and 4(5%) were non viable. There was statistically significant association
between the body condition of the cattle and the occurrence of hydatidosis (X =21.948; P<0.05). There was 2
no statistically significant difference between infection rate and breeds, sex and origin of the animals.
In conclusion, the study indicated that high prevalence of hydatidosis in Hawassa municipal abattoir with
implication for public health calling for intervention. Establishment of policy on dog keeping and handling
including registration, treatment and elimination of stray dogs are recommended to control the disease
