Prevalence and Distribution of Cysticercus tenuicollis (Taenia hydatigena) Cysts from Slaughtered Goats at Akinyele, Ibadan, Nigeria

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Cysticercus tenuicollis among 500 Red Sokoto goats slaughtered at the Akinyele abattoir in Ibadan between October and December. This period targeted the wet month, transition from rainy to dry season, and the dry month. Post-mortem examinations were conducted on goats for C. tenuicollis. Cysts that were recovered underwent identification based on their morphology, with both their number and location documented. The study found an overall prevalence rate of 38.2%. Among the 416 males and 84 females examined, 160 (38.5%) and 31 (36.9%), respectively, were found to be infected, with no significant differences observed between the sexes. Prevalence in October was 47.1% (106/225), November was 40.5% (75/185), and December was 11.1% (10/90), with higher rates in wet months transitioning to lower rates in dry months, with a significant association between prevalence and month. Among the 281 cysts identified, they were distributed across the liver (18, 6.4%), mesentery (98, 34.9%), and omentum (165, 58.7%). Notably, C. tenuicollis was most commonly found in the omentum, accounting for 58.7% of the cases. The distribution of cysts by location and the analysis of potential risk factors for sex and age showed a significant association with age but not with sex. Although more cysts were observed in males, the difference was not statistically significant. This study provides valuable baseline data on the prevalence of C. tenuicollis in goats during the study period. The high prevalence and distribution patterns identified can serve as crucial insights for designing effective control strategies, including targeted anthelmintic treatments and improving meat inspection protocols.