Risk factors and economic losses associated with Cystic echinococcosis among livestock in selected pastoral and agro-pastoral areas of Uganda

Abstract

<title>Abstract</title> Background Cystic echinococcosis is a parasitic cyclo-zoonotic disease caused by the taeniid Echinococcus and causes significant economic losses in livestock production, yet its impact is often overlooked and under estimated. Methods This study investigated the risk factors and economic impact of cystic echinococcosis in livestock, in Uganda's pastoral and agro-pastoral communities. In the study, 14,937 livestock were examined at selected slaughterhouses in Moroto, Kumi, Luwero and Nakasongola districts from March 2019 to February 2020. The visceral organs were examined for hydatid cysts during slaughter and the prevalence correlated with the risk factors got from livestock traders and livestock owners through questionnaire survey. Production losses and economic losses due to organ condemnations were also estimated. Results This is the first study to provide insights into the financial impacts and risk factors towards Cystic echinococcosis in livestock in Uganda. The key risk factors for the development and persistence of CE were: livestock species origin and tethering in goats, communal grazing for cattle and keeping large herds of sheep (p &lt; 0.0001). Considering the current result, the total annual economic losses from organ condemnation and carcass weight loss due to CE on livestock inspected in abattoirs in the study districts was 21,352.7 USD with 11.7% due to organ condemnation and 88.3% due to production losses from weight loss. More significant mean economic cost per livestock species examined occurred in Moroto district among Zebu cattle (US 8.4), goats (US 1.4) and sheep (US 1.4) than other districts. Conclusion Results show that CE is a disease of significant economic importance and CE prevalence was linked to factors like origin and tethering in goats, grazing practices in cattle, and herd size in sheep. The study highlights the need for awareness and control measures to mitigate CE's economic impact on livestock productivity, household food security, and income.