Epidemiologic findings from an outbreak of cysticercosis in feedlot cattle.
An outbreak of cysticercosis in a south-central Idaho custom feedlot reached a peak prevalence of 11% in January 1993 and extended from October 1992 through March 1993. Of 5,164 cattle slaughtered from this feedlot during the outbreak, 457 (9%) were cysticercosis infected. Total discounts on the infected cattle at slaughter cost the feedlot $154,400. Most evidence was suggestive of feed-borne transmission of Taenia saginata eggs to the cattle in the feedlot. By use of logistic regression analysis of feedlot records, significant (P = 0.004) association of cysticercosis prevalence at slaughter with days on feed was revealed. Similarly, a decline in cysticercosis prevalence was significantly (P < 0.001) related to the number of days cattle were fed a ration not containing potato byproduct. Although sources other than potato byproduct were systematically evaluated during the investigation, findings suggested that potato byproduct fed in this feedlot was contaminated with T saginata eggs.
Yoder
D R
DR
Frontage Green Animal Clinic, Wendell, ID 83355.
Ebel
E D
ED
Hancock
D D
DD
Combs
B A
BA
D000821:Animal Feed / Q000469:parasitology*; D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D002418:Cattle Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D003551:Cysticercosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D016266:Food Parasitology; D007061:Idaho / Q000453:epidemiology; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence