"Review on Epidemiology, Public Health and Finanicial Loss of Hydatidosis in Ethiopia"

Abstract

BJSTR. MS.ID.007625.Echinococcosis is a zoonotic parasitic disease caused by larval stages of cestodes belonging to the genus Echinococcus. Hydatid cyst, which is the larval stage of Echinococcus, is a bladder-like cyst formed in various organs and tissues following the growth of the oncospheres of an Echinococcus tape worm in that specific organ or tissue. The epidemiology and control of hydatidosis is often considered to be a veterinary matter since the disease can be regulated by controlling parasites in animals. Therefore, the objective of this paper was to review the Epidemiology, public health and financial importance of hydatidosis in Ethiopia. Human echinococcosis is a zoonotic infection caused by the tape worm of the genus Echinococcus. Echinococcus granulosus granulosus cause cystic echinococcosis (CE), Echinococcus multilocularis cause alveolar echinococcosis (AE), and Echinococcus vogeli and Echinococcus oligarthus cause polycystic echinococcosis (PE). From these Echinococcus multilocularis is rare but is the most virulent, Echinococcus vegeli and Echinococcus oligarthus are the rarest. Hydatidosis is a zoonotic cosmopolitan parasitic disease found in almost all countries of the world. Research findings from abattoir surveys conducted in Ethiopia have been reviewed, which revealed the prevalence of cystic hydatidosis, in bovine ranging from 9.6% (Harar) to 63.7% (Assella), in sheep(14.67%), in goat(7.05%) from Addis Ababa respectively and annual financial loss ranging from 96,315 (Harar) to 4.00 million (Nekemte) Ethiopian Birr. To show real damage incurred due to this zoonotic disease, nationwide studies should be conducted on public health and financial impact, transmission, reservoirs, geographic distribution, control and prevention measures of zoonoses. Strengthening of veterinary facilities and extension systems, expansion of abattoir facilities, creation of community awareness, regular deworming of dogs and appropriate disposal of infected organs are recommendations forwarded in order to help zoonoses control. Collaboration between veterinarians and public health workers in the prevention and control of the disease is mandatory.