Epidemiology, impact and control of bovine cysticercosis in Europe: a systematic review

Abstract

BackgroundBovine cysticercosis in Europe has been known for centuries but the data showing the occurrence of this zoonosis are scarce. The aim of this paper is to review and present the current knowledge on bovine cysticercosis in Europe.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review of studies published between 1990 and November 2014. Qualitative and quantitative data on prevalence, risk factors, burden and interventions were extracted and analysed.ResultsReports on prevalence were available for 23 European countries, mostly from western and central Europe; for a few of these only data before 1990 were available. Prevalence based on meat inspection was generally low (below 6.2 % in 95 % of the records) and varied between and within countries. Serology and detailed meat inspection provided a higher prevalence range (0.41–14 %). Only few studies analysing risk factors were identified. Reported factors related to access to pastures and risky waters, dairy production and uncontrolled human defecation in the proximity of the farm among others. Only one estimate of the economic impact of the disease could be identified. Recommended interventions were focused on increasing diagnostic tests sensitivity or the application of risk based surveillance strategies.ConclusionsThere is a lack of complete and updated data on most countries, especially in eastern Europe. Further risk factor studies might be needed together with estimates on the burden of the disease in all European countries. Risk-based interventions are being encouraged but current data are limited to guide this approach.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-016-1362-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Analysis of bovine cysticercosis in the state of Goiás, Brazil and economical losses for beef farms

“…A similarity can be observed comparing the prevalence assessed in this study with those reported in other countries, such as Iran (0·25%) (Khaniki et al 2010), Chile (0·58%) (Faustina et al 2012) and European countries (<1%) (Laranjo-González et al 2016). The no-detection of bovine cysticercosis in animals slaughtered from two municipalities does not mean a real absence of this disease at these areas due to the low sensitivity of the ongoing model of meat inspection and the practice of slaughter without inspection (illegal), which remains occurring in this state (Lopes et al 2011).…”

Risk factors for Taenia saginata cysticercus infection in cattle in the United Kingdom: A farm-level case-control study and assessment of the role of movement history, age and sex

“…However, the high variability of T. saginata cysticercus prevalence within and between European countries, with some national estimates ranging up to 6.2%, has also been described (Laranjo-González et al, 2016). The most recent UK-specific estimates describe a low prevalence; official government study results relating to cattle slaughtered between 2008 and 2011, state that 15 out of 190,493 calves (0.008%) and 2,674 out of 8,484,371 adult cows (0.032%) were found to be infected with T. saginata cysticercus at meat inspection (MLCS, 2013;Hill et al, 2014).…”

Geospatial distribution and risk factors for bovine cysticercosis in the state of Rondônia, Brazil

“…Laranjo- González et al (2016) highlight that the consumption of water contaminated with domestic sewage, the access to risky water with sewage treatment plant effluent in proximity, grazing next to streams and flooding on pastures were risk factors associated with cysticercosis occurrence, contributing to relations observed in this study. Furthermore, Kyvsgaard et al (1991) established that to allow cattle accesses to drink water from streams carrying effluent from sewage treatment was considered as risk factor for cysticercosis occurrence due to water sources overflow containing T. saginata eggs and consequently widespread eggs on grassland and on other water sources (Cabaret et al 2002).…”

“…Despite the disease's epidemiology is unraveled, more studies are necessary to identify new associated risk factors, to provide more substantial data for decision-making process in intervention procedures in order to reduce the disease's prevalence in endemic areas, and consequently reducing economic losses for beef production chain (Laranjo- González et al 2016).…”