Review on Socio-Economic Significance of Hydatidosis in Humans and Animals in Ethiopia

Abstract

Hydatidosis/Cystic Echinococcosis (CE) is one of the most important neglected tropical parasitic diseases of livestock that has both financial and public health significance caused by larval (metacestode) stage of Cestodes belonging to the genus Echinococcus, family Taenidae. CE caused by the larval stage of E. granulosus is recognized as being one of the major zoonosis and associated with severe economic losses and great public health significance worldwide. The distribution of hydatidosis is normally associated with underdeveloped countries, especially in rural communities where humans maintain close contact with dogs and various domestic animals. Carnivores are definite hosts for the parasite with livestock acting as intermediate hosts and human as accidental intermediate or aberrant host. Globally, economic losses estimated to cause human and livestock associated annual economic losses of at least US$ 193,529,740 and US$ 141,605,195, respectively and estimated to causes 2-3 million human cases are thought to occur worldwide. Abattoir based studies conducted in various parts of Ethiopia, showed that prevalence of CE ranges from 6.51% to 54.5%, 0% to 24.8%, 11.69% to 65.47% and 7.03% to 60.2% in cattle, goats, camel and sheep respectively and 8561.61 ETB to 19,847,704.5 ETB annual economic losses in animals. In human prevalence of 1.6% and 0.5% have been reported from southern part of Ethiopia. On the human side economic losses arise through diagnostic cost, treatment cost and cost of hospitalization. In animals’ economic losses are observed in decreased carcass weight, milk production and fertility rates, and from increased rate of condemnation of affected organs. Breaking the life cycle is one of the main control measures. Strengthening of veterinary facilities and extension systems, expansion of abattoir facilities to avoid backyard slaughter practices, creation of community awareness, regular deworming of dogs and appropriate disposal of infected organs are recommendations forwarded in order to help zoonosis control.