Prevalence of Hydatid Cysts in Slaughtered Sheep and Goats in Katsina, Katsina Sate, Nigeria

Hydatidosis, caused by the larval stage of Taenia and Echinococcus species, is a significant zoonotic disease affecting livestock and humans, leading to public health concerns and economic losses in endemic regions. A cross-sectional study conducted from July to August, 2024 at the Katsina Metropolitan abattoir using purposeful sampling approach to determine the prevalence and hydatid cysts in small ruminants. A total of 250 sheep and goats comprising 74 sheep and 176 goats, presented for slaughter at the abattoir daily were considered as subjects for the study. Among these, 87.9% of sheep and 66.5% of goats were female. The overall prevalence of hydatid cysts was 12.8%, with 9.5% of sheep and 14.2% of goats infected. Prevalence by sex showed 2.0% in males and 10.8% in females, with no significant difference (p > 0.05). Age-specific prevalence ranged from 1.6% in animals 6–12 months to 6.4% in those 25–36 months, with no significant differences amongst age groups (p > 0.05). Similarly, there was no significant difference in breed-specific prevalence, with Balami and Yankasa sheep showing 9.5% and 9.4%, and Red Sokoto, Kano Brown, and Sahel goats showing 17.5%, 9.1%, and 15.4%, respectively. Cyst distribution was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in intestines (80.0%) and livers (42.9%) in both species. Fertility of cysts was 100% in goat lungs and 75.0% and 66.6% in sheep and goat livers, respectively. Viability was 25.0% in sheep and 50.0% in goats, with no significant difference (p > 0.05). The study concludes that sheep and goats in Katsina are infected with Taenia parasites, resulting in fertile and viable cysts of public health and economic concern. Recommendations include further studies to identify tapeworm species and public education on disease prevention to mitigate health and economic losses in the region.