The prevalence, intensity and viability of hydatid cysts in slaughtered animals in the Ardabil province of Northwest Iran.
In a cross-sectional study, a total of 5381 slaughtered animals, namely 928 cattle, 243 buffaloes, 3765 sheep and 445 goats were inspected macroscopically for hydatid cysts in northwest Iran, with prevalence values of 38.3%, 11.9%, 74.4% and 20%, respectively, being recorded. Prevalences were higher in females compared with males, but a significant difference (P < 0.001) was only found in sheep and cattle. Most cases which were condemned were seen in the lungs of sheep (13.4%) indicating that sheep are the most important intermediate hosts for Echinococcus granulosus in this area.
Daryani
A
A
Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, PC 48168-95475, Sari, Iran. daryanii@yahoo.com
Alaei
R
R
Arab
R
R
Sharif
M
M
Dehghan
M H
MH
Ziaei
H
H
D000003:Abattoirs; D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D002418:Cattle Diseases / Q000469:parasitology; D004443:Echinococcosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D015511:Goat Diseases / Q000469:parasitology; D006041:Goats; D007492:Iran / Q000453:epidemiology; D012418:Ruminants / Q000469:parasitology*; D012756:Sheep; D012757:Sheep Diseases / Q000469:parasitology