Abstract:
Cysticercus tenuicollis is a metacestode stage of Taenia hydatigetia residing in visceral organs of small ruminants and its effects cause economic losses due to condemnation of visceral organs in the slaughter places. This study reports on the prevalence of Cysticercus tenuicollis in small ruminants slaughtered in Lira Municipal Abattoir . A total of 140 sheep and goats were sampled and examined after slaughter for presence of Cysticercus tenuicollis in the visceral organs using standard meat inspection procedures. Data was recorded using an abattoir data collection sheet and analysed in SPSS version 17. Thirty-six (36) goats, and 48 sheep were infected with Cysticercus tenuicollis. The overall prevalence of Cysticercus temiicollis was found to be 60%, 51.4% in goats and 68.6% in sheep (P<O.O5). Otuke district was seen to have the highest prevalence of the parasite (82,6%), followed by Kole with (72.4%), Alebtong (66;7%), Apac 59.4% and Lira (31.4%) (P<O.05). Cysticercus tetiuicollis was more frequently seen on the intestines (57.8%) of sheep .and goats than any other visceral organs. the liver had a prevalence of 20.7%. the lungs 17.8%., the kidneys. 3.5% and the fetal sac; (15,.7%) in goats and (12.9%) in sheep. It's recommended to safely dispose of the condemned abattoir materials. The sale of the condemned parts of sheep and goats and the feeding of doge on these contaminated materials, should be stopped forthwith. It's also being suggested that a national study be carried out to determine the prevalence and economic impact of Cysticercus teiiuicollis in small ruminants.
