نوع مقاله : مقاله پژوهشی
نویسندگان
1 گروه پاتوبیولوژی، دانشکده دامپزشکی، دانشگاه ارومیه، ارومیه، ایران
2 گروه پاتوبیولوژی، دانشکده دامپزشکی دانشگاه ارومیه، ایران.
چکیده
کلیدواژهها
موضوعات
عنوان مقاله [English]
نویسندگان [English]
Cysticercosis is a worldwide disease that affects farm animals. This condition, in sheep and goats, results in economic losses especially due to the condemnation of edible offal or meat. In this concern, the aim of this study was to examine cysticercosis among the sheep and goats slaughtered at a slaughterhouse in Shahin Dej, west Azerbaijan Province, Iran. From 2023 to 2024, the cysticercosis prevalence in 250 sheep and 250 goats at the Shahin Dej slaughterhouse was determined. Data of animal species, sex, age and the type of cysticercosis infection were recorded. Out of a total of 500 sheep and goats carcasses examined, 34 carcasses (6.8 %) were infected with Cysticercus (21 carcasses (4.2 %) with Cysticercus ovis and 13 carcasses (2.6 %) with Cysticercus tenuicollis). In this study female goats and sheep were more frequently infected than males (p<0.05). In addition, the infection rate was significant in different age groups of sheep and goats (p<0.05). Findings indicated high frequency of Cysticercus infection in sheep and goats in the studied region. Therefore, the control methods, such as proper disposal of infected tissues and anthelmintic treatment of infected dogs, are necessary to reduce contamination and prevent economic loss in small ruminants.
کلیدواژهها [English]
Extended Abstract
Introduction
Cestodes belonging to the family Taenidae, which primarily infect dogs as definitive hosts, can be transmitted to a variety of intermediate hosts. These infections are known to cause echinococcosis and conditions such as coenurus or cysticercosis. The presence of taeniasis larvae is particularly important in veterinary medicine, as it leads to the removal of infected organs and meat from animals, resulting in significant economic losses. Taenia ovis, also referred to as Cysticercus ovis or "sheep pox", infects small ruminants and has been reported in various regions worldwide, including New Zealand, Australia, Canada, as well as several African, Asian, and European countries. The adult cestode resides in the small intestine of dogs, as well as occasionally in cats and foxes, which are its definitive hosts. Small ruminants, such as sheep and goats, become infected by ingesting eggs containing oncospheres while grazing. Once in the intestine, the oncospheres are released and can travel to the liver, heart, and lungs through the bloodstream. Cysticerci develop in the muscles and viscera within approximately three months. These cysts are oval-shaped, thin-walled, fluid-filled, and contain a scolex. Dogs can become infected with live cysts by consuming the infected organs of small ruminants. Although Taenia ovis infections in small ruminants typically do not cause significant clinical signs, the presence of viable or calcified cysts in meat and other organs can lead to the seizure of infected viscera or even the entire carcass during post-mortem inspections. This seizure or removal of infected parts can lead to considerable economic losses for producers. Cysticercus tenuicollis is a metacestode of the flatworm Taenia hydatigena, a parasite that primarily affects carnivores. This metacestode has been reported in various domestic ruminants, including sheep and goats, as well as in wild ruminants, monkeys, and pigs. The metacestodes typically attach to the mesentery at the liver level but can also be found in the lungs, kidneys, brain, ovaries, and uterus. The lesions formed in the livestock organs render them inedible for humans. Given the high rates of infection in domestic animals, this disease poses significant concerns regarding production efficiency and economic loss. The diagnosis of cysticercosis relies on the morphological and molecular characteristics of the parasite.
Materials and Methods
The current study aimed to determine the cysticercosis among the sheep and goats slaughtered at a slaughterhouse in Shahin Dej, west Azerbaijan Province, Iran. From 2023 to 2024, the cysticercosis prevalence in 250 sheep and 250 goats at the Shahin Dej slaughterhouse was determined. Data of animal species, sex, age and the type of cysticercosis infection were recorded. The samples collected from slaughterhouse and were transferred to the parasitology laboratory for analysis based on identification keys.
Results
The study revealed that Out of a total of 500 sheep and goats carcasses examined, 34 carcasses (6.8 %) were infected with Cysticercus. 21 carcasses (4.2 %) with Cysticercus ovis and 13 carcasses (2.6 %) with Cysticercus tenuicollis. In this study female goats and sheep were more frequently infected than males (P<0.05). In addition, the infection rate was significant in different age groups of sheep and goats (P<0.05).
In the post-mortem inspection of slaughtered sheep and goat carcasses, the most contaminated tissue with Cysticercus ovis in sheep was found to be the heart muscle. In goats, the highest levels of contamination were observed in the heart muscle, followed by the masseter muscle, diaphragm, and triceps brachii. In sheep, the most contaminated tissue to Cysticercus tenuicollis was located in the rump, while in goats, the rump and liver were the most contaminated areas.
Conclusion
The results of this study indicate that cysticercosis infection is present in slaughtered livestock in Shahin Dej County, leading to economic losses due to the removal and seizure of infected tissues and organs. Therefore, it is essential to implement effective control and prevention methods to reduce the infection rates in the region. Additionally, given the presence of cysticercosis in sheep and goats, along with the potential for transmission by dogs to other animals in the area, it is important to establish control and prevention programs for taeniasis infection in dogs as well.
This article contains all the data that were created or evaluated during the research.
The authors would like to sincerely thank the members of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Urmia University Research Council for the approval and support of this research.
The author declares no conflict of interest.
)