Prevalence of Fasciola Hepatica and Echinococcus Granulosus in slaughtered cattle, sheep, and goats in El-Hodna region (center of Algeria)

Abstract

A preliminary epidemiological investigation of the infestation by Fasciola hepatica and Echinococcus granulosus in cattle, sheep, and goats was carried out from January 2010 to December 2012 in the area of El-Hodna (the center of Algeria); it aims to determine the prevalence of these zoonoses in this region. The study methodology involved ruminants slaughtered in slaughterhouses in the area. The evaluation of the prevalence of these infections was conducted by direct enumeration of cases of hydatid disease (liver and lungs) and fascioliasis. The results indicate a higher frequency of hydatid disease compared to fasciolosis and in all three species during the three years of the investigation. The prevalence was 4.5% in cattle, 11.7% in sheep, and 11.8% in goats for hepatic hydatid cysts; 8.6% (cattle), 24.4% (sheep), and 13.6% (goats) for pulmonary hydatid disease; and 1.4% (cattle), 1.7% (sheep), and 0.4% (goats) for infestation by F. hepatica. Enhanced health surveillance would be established in this region for optimal control of these infections and to reduce their impact.