title: A Cross-Sectional Study Investigating Cystic Hydatidosis in Slaughtered Cattle of Western Province in Zambia.
abstract: A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2007 to November 2008 to estimate the prevalence of hydatidosis in slaughtered cattle from two abattoirs in Mongu, Western Province, Zambia, using prospective and retrospective data. Out of the 4061 cattle examined during postmortem inspection, 84 (2.1%) were positive for hydatidosis. No cases were detected from Kaoma and Shangombo districts; however, prevalence ranged from 0.6% to 2.5% in districts where it was present. Sex was found to be positively associated with hydatidosis (P = 0.035) with female cattle being more likely to have hydatidosis (OR = 1.62). In the retrospective study (1994 to 2007), annual prevalence of hydatidosis ranged from 1.56% (n = 12,641) in 2006 to 4.7% (n = 2633) in 2001 with an overall prevalence of 3% (4689/158,456). This value is comparable to that observed in cattle slaughtered between October 2007 and November 2008 (2.1%). Hydatidosis was observed in the lungs (51.2%), liver (47.6%), and kidneys (1.2%). The percentage of viable cysts was 43.7%. This study confirms the presence of hydatidosis in cattle in Western Province of Zambia and estimates economic losses due to organ condemnations. Data presented herein provides a useful baseline for developing policy and intervention measures.
authors.affiliation: Provincial Veterinary Office, Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, P.O. Box 910034, Mongu 10106, Zambia.
authors.forename: Fredrick
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Banda
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, P.O. Box 32379, Lusaka 10101, Zambia.
authors.forename: King Shimumbo
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Nalubamba
authors.affiliation: Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, P.O. Box 32379, Lusaka 10101, Zambia.
authors.forename: John Bwalya
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Muma
authors.affiliation: Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, P.O. Box 32379, Lusaka 10101, Zambia.
authors.forename: Musso
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Munyeme
authors.affiliation: Section of Aquatic Medicine and Nutrition, Department of Basic Sciences and Aquatic Medicine, Norwegian School of Veterinary Sciences, Ullevålsveien 72, P.O Box 8146 Dep, 0033 Oslo, Norway.
authors.forename: Hetron
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Mweemba Munang'andu