Occurrence of Gross Lesions and Cysts on the Lungs of Cattle Slaughtered At the Asella Municipal Abattoir, Ethiopia

Abstract

A total of 384 randomly selected cattle were examined for the presence of gross lesions and cysts, according to standard inspection procedures for developing countries. Out of the total 384 male cattle presented for slaughter, 303 (79.3%) of the lungs of cattle had different gross lesions and cysts. Hydatid cyst (40.9%), emphysema (15.4%), congestion (12.2%) and calcification were the major gross lesions and cysts found in the lungs. Cattle with an older age (OR = 1.74; 95% CI = 1.10–2.78; p = 0.018) and a poor body condition score (OR = 6.10; 95% CI = 2.29–16.59; p = 0.001) were more likely to have hydatidosis and calcified cysts than cattle with a younger age and a good body condition score. Furthermore, emphysema and congestion were more common in crossbred cattle (OR = 2.57; 95%CI = 1.19–5.28; p = 0.012) and younger cattle (OR = 2.87; 95%CI = 1.40–5.83; p = 0.004), respectively. The hydatid cyst was the most common cyst and the cause of lung condemnation in the Asella municipal abattoir. Therefore, better meat inspection procedures, proper lung disposal systems, and preventing the entrance of stray dogs to the abattoir would reduce the prevalence and transmission of diseases to humans.