Abattoir-Based Post-Mortem Inspection for Surveillance of Cystic Echinococcosis: A Case Study in Slaughtered Sheep

Cystic echinococcosis (hydatidosis) is a major zoonotic parasitic disease caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus and remains a significant public health and economic concern in endemic regions. Due to the largely asymptomatic nature of the infection in live animals, ante-mortem diagnosis is often unreliable and impractical. Consequently, post-mortem inspection at abattoirs represents the most accurate and feasible method for detecting hydatid cysts in livestock populations. The present study emphasizes the role of abattoir-based diagnosis and highlights the critical importance of thorough post-mortem inspection in the epidemiological surveillance and control of cystic echinococcosis. In this cross-sectional survey, ۳۶۰ sheep slaughtered at an abattoir near Tehran were examined for hydatid cysts. The liver and lungs were subjected to systematic post-mortem inspection through visual examination, palpation, and incision. Hydatid cysts were detected in ۲۸ animals, corresponding to an overall prevalence of ۷.۸%. The cysts predominantly contained clear or turbid fluid with protoscoleces. Hepatic cysts were frequently multiple, measuring ۲-۵ cm in diameter, and were associated with mild fibrosis and occasional calcification of surrounding tissues. In the lungs, cysts were generally smaller and accompanied by localized emphysema in adjacent parenchyma. These findings underscore the indispensable role of post-mortem meat inspection as a cornerstone for the diagnosis and surveillance of cystic echinococcosis in livestock. Abattoir-derived data provide a reliable estimate of disease prevalence, facilitate the prevention of infected offal entering the food chain, and support the development of effective control strategies aimed at interrupting the transmission cycle and reducing zoonotic risk.

کلیدواژه ها:

Cystic echinococcosis ، Hydatidosis ، Echinococcus granulosus