Prevalence of Hydatid Cysts in Sheep and Goats Slaughtered in Selected Abattoirs in Northern Nigeria

This study on prevalence and fertility of hydatid cysts of Echinococcus granulosus in Sheep and Goats slaughtered n at selected abattoirs in Kaduna, Kogi, Plateau, Gombe States and the Federal Capital Territory, Northern Nigeria was conducted between February to December, 2022. Gross examination was carried out by visual inspection and palpation of lungs and liver of 906 Sheep and 1,924 Goats. Out of a total of 2,830 ruminants, 262(14.3%) harboured one or more cysts in liver (6.7%), lungs (3.6%) or in liver and lungs (1.0%). Highest prevalence was recorded in Sheep (9.6%) than Goats (9.1%). Difference in prevalence of cysts among Sheep and Goats was not statistically significant (p>0.05). There was association of prevalence of cysts with Sheep (OR=1.062, 95% CI=0.810-1.391). Prevalence of cysts based on location revealed higher prevalence in 38.9% of sheep and 16.0% of goats slaughtered in selected abattoirs in Kaduna State followed by 23.0% sheep and 16.0% goats slaughtered in Gombe State, least prevalence of 3.0% each was obtained in Goats slaughtered in Plateau State and sheep in FCT. Age-specific prevalence of cysts in the Sheep showed highest prevalence in 3-4 years age group (12.8%) of sheep and 1-2 years age group (11.7%) of Goats, difference in prevalence of cysts among different age groups of Sheep and Goats were not significant (p>0.05). Prevalence of hydatid cysts was significantly associated with 3-4 years age group of Sheep (OR=4.015, 95% CI=2.100-7.675) and 1-2 years age group of Goats (OR=1.923, 95% CI=1.392-2.658). More hydatid cysts were recovered in female sheep (10.7%) and male Goats (11.6%) than their counterparts, the difference was not significant (p>0.05) in Sheep but in Goats (p<0.05). Female Sheep and male Goats were more likely to harbour hydatid cysts (OR=1.752, 95% CI=0.984-3.121; OR=1.884, 95%CI=1.363-2.604). Higher numbers of fertile cysts were recovered from liver and lungs of Sheep (34.3%) than Goats (33.3%). Fertility of hydatid cysts is in the epidemiology and control of hydatidosis and results of the present study has provided a base line data on hydatidosis in sheep, goats, and cattle slaughtered in selected abattoirs in northern Nigeria which will help in controlling the disease. Keywords: Prevalence, Hydatid cysts, Sheep, Goats, Northern Nigeria.