Occurrence and economic losses due to Cystic Echinococcosis infections in cows, sheep, goats, and pigs at slaughterhouses in Côte d'Ivoire

Ivorian livestock faces several animal health issues that hinder the development of this sector. Zoonotic diseases represent a real problem with the above-mentioned. Echinococcosis or Hydatidosis is one of them. A parasite of the genus Echinococcus causes parasitic disease. This study assessed the situation of echinococcosis in slaughterhouses in Côte d'Ivoire and determined the financial losses to breeders. Animals (cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs) samplings were carried out at slaughterhouses in Abidjan, Bouaké, Korhogo, Bondoukou, and Man. The financial losses due to this disease were estimated using well-structured questionnaires by considering certain parameters. The prevalence of this parasite in the department of Abidjan was 14.6%, pigs recorded a prevalence of 16.7%, and cattle had a prevalence of 7.36%. The highest prevalence was observed in female animals in all the departments investigated. Female goats recorded a prevalence of 14.03%. The kidney was the most infected organ (0.55%). The annual loss was estimated at 10,071,700 CFA francs (16674.054 USD). The results of this study demonstrate the importance of health risks associated with Echinococcus infection, as well as its zoonotic risks and economic losses in the animal production sectors in Côte d'Ivoire. The "One Health" approach, which includes sectoral collaboration, therefore appears necessary in the fight against this zoonosis.