An Epidemiological Survey to Investigate the Prevalence of Cystic Echinococcosis in Slaughtered Bovine Hosts in Punjab, Pakistan

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonotic disease of human and animals having worldwide geographical distribution resulting in major economic losses. It is most common in underdeveloped and herding communities where people survive on animal husbandry and agricultural activities. The prevalence of CE in livestock and its risk factors are widely underreported. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the epidemiological characteristics and prevalence of disease in cattle in Punjab Pakistan. The study was conducted in the Punjab province of Pakistan. The data were collected from slaughterhouses from September 2021 to February 2022. Antemortem and postmortem examination and cyst characterization was conducted. A questionnaire was designed to collect epidemiological, demographic, and primary health data. A total of 8877 animals were examined, and the prevalence was 6.22% in all the examined animals, with a higher prevalence in cattle. There is a slight difference in the prevalence among males and females. Animals were examined at three different slaughterhouses in the Rawalpindi city originating from 23 districts of Punjab, Khyber PakhtunKhwa (KP) and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). The highest prevalence was recorded in animals from the Haripur district of KP. The majority of animals studied were older than 3 years, also most infected animals studied were from herds. Predominantly, cysts were observed in the lungs and liver. These findings may be useful in estimating the eco-epidemiology of CE and improving surveillance and prevention programs in Pakistan. ABSTRACT: Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a neglected zoonotic disease of worldwide geographical distribution. CE is most common in underdeveloped and herding communities where people survive on animal husbandry and agricultural activities. The prevalence of CE in livestock and its risk factors are widely underreported, because of inefficient surveillance systems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiological characteristics and prevalence of CE in cattle in Punjab, Pakistan. Data were collected from slaughterhouses from September 2021 to February 2022. Ante- and postmortem examination and cyst characterization were performed. Epidemiological, demographic, and one health data were collected. A total of 8877 animals (8096 buffalo, 781 cattle) were examined, and the prevalence of CE was 6.22% (n = 552) in all animals, with a higher prevalence in cattle (15.20% vs. buffalo 5.83%). Prevalence was not significantly different in males and females. Of the 23 districts studied, the highest prevalence was in the Haripur district of KP (20.85%). The majority of animals studied were older than 3 years. Most cysts were found in animals older than 5 years. Lungs and liver were the predominant sites for the presence of cysts (65.58% and 31.34%, respectively. Of the collected cysts, 29.71% were fertile. The findings may be useful in estimating the eco-epidemiology of CE and improving surveillance and prevention programs in Pakistan.