The prevalence of hydatid cysts in slaughtered animals in Iraq

Abstract

The prevalence of infection with hydatid cysts in sheep, goats, cattle and camels slaughtered at Baghdad Abattoir was recorded over a period of 18 months. The infection rates were generally lower than had been reported in previous surveys but remained high in camels. The lower prevalence rates were attributed to the destruction of stray dogs, improved standards of meat inspection and an overall improvement in socio-economic conditions. The fertility rate of the cysts was higher in camels than in sheep or goats. All the cattle cysts were sterile.