The prevalence of parasitic infections among slaughtered animals in mechanical abattoir

Abstract

Gastrointestinal parasites, such as helminths and protozoa, are abundant parasitic agents of livestock, particularly ruminants. The current study aims to determine the prevalence rate of parasitic infections in large ruminate animals slaughtered in the mechanical abattoir in Alexandria governorate, Egypt. The prevalence was identified through the records of parasitic infections detected in the fecal matter of large ruminate animals in addition to the recorded postmortem examination findings. Three hundred sixty-four slaughtered large ruminant animals were selected, labeled, and subjected to fecal sampling and postmortem examination. Each fecal sample was tested by three different techniques; the formalin-ether concentration, Ziehl-Neelsen hot-stained, and saturated saline flotation to diagnose all parasite types. One hundred thirty positive cases (35.71%) were determined during the fecal sample examination, and 76 cases (20.87%) were found in postmortem examination. Formalin-ether processing of fecal samples yielded the highest number of pathogens; Entamoeba species were detected in 98 fecal samples (26.69%), and Fasciola species eggs were detected in 14 samples (3.84%). The postmortem examination revealed Fasciola hepatica and F. gigantica in 13 animals (3.57%), mixed lung and liver hydatid cysts in 32 animals (8.79%), whereas liver hydatid cysts only were identified in 15 animals (4.12%). Finally, Sarcocystosis infection was detected in 3.57%. In conclusion, the parasitic infections of large ruminant animals are a leading cause of pathogenicity in large animals, leading to economic losses. Prevention and control measures must be implemented by mechanical abattoirs according to the hazard analysis critical control point system.

Inflicting Significant Losses in Slaughtered Animals: Exposing the Hidden Effects of Parasitic Infections

“…Conversely, Abbas et al [35] and Tiele et al [25] reported a higher prevalence in males. A study by Felefel et al [36] indicated higher infections in females (39.1%) than males (35%), though the difference was statistically insignificant. There may be variations in susceptibility to GI parasitic infections based on gender due to genetic predisposition and fluctuating susceptibility brought on by hormonal regulation [37].…”

Prevalence of intestinal nematodes in equines with an assessment of the therapy using Albendazole and Doramectin

“…Subsequently, the slide was inspected under 10 × magni cations for the nal assessment and existence of helminthic eggs using an Olympus optical microscope. [43] McMaster egg counting technique A mixture of 1 gram of fecal matter from each sample and 28 ml of saturated salt solution was sieved in another clean container. McMaster counting chambers were lled using a Pasteur pipette with the previous mixture.…”