Prevalence and monetary loss due to cystic Echinococcosis in slaughter house livestock: A case study of Migori County, Kenya

Cystic Echinococcosis (CE/Hydatidosis) is a parasitic zoonosis of public health importance that causes considerable economic loss worldwide. The aim of this study was to assess prevalence and monetary loss of CE in livestock slaughtered in Migori County, Kenya. The study was conducted by retrieving and analyzing secondary data over a ten year period (2007–2016) from annual meat inspection reports from sub-county veterinary offices within Migori County. The data included species/number of slaughtered animals and number of organs condemned due to presence of hydatid cyst(s) recorded. The results showed CE prevalence was highest in cattle (5.3%) followed by goats (2.0%), least affected were sheep (0.1%). The overall direct monetary loss was $152,003/year. The study results confirm occurrence of CE in Migori County and demonstrate an emerging new CE focus in Kenya with a significant direct monetary loss, a phenomenon that require serious attention to control the spread of CE in Kenya.