Economic loss monitoring due to cystic echinococcosis (CE) infection in livestock in major cities of Punjab Pakistan

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a parasitic disease caused by the larval stage of the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus. The objective of the current study was to determine the prevalence of animals (buffaloes and cows) infected by CE in the major cities of Punjab and the economic loss to livestock traders due to the condemnation of infected vital organs, including the liver and lungs, which are used as food for humans. It is a zoonotic disease affecting both animals and humans (intermediate hosts). This study was conducted over a period of six months, from October 2021 to March 2022. The animals were examined for CE infection at the Sihala slaughterhouse in Rawalpindi, which is a hub for livestock across Punjab. A total of 1195 animals, including 1036 buffaloes and 159 cows, were examined for CE. Postmortem, 255 animals were found to be infected with CE. The prevalence of CE infection was 18.07 % and 3.26 % in buffaloes and cows, respectively. The lung was the most commonly infected organ (54.51 %), followed by the liver (45.49 %). CE has a significant economic impact on the livestock industry owing to its effects on animal morbidity and mortality. The economic losses caused by infected livers were calculated to be 1589.2 USD, and for infected lungs, it was estimated to be 303.02 USD for the year 2022. Destruction of vital organs in animals has serious consequences. Therefore, investigating the prevalence of CE among livestock in highly affected areas can help to control the transmission of the parasite in intermediate hosts. In addition, it is crucial to develop effective control strategies to prevent significant economic losses.