Seasonal prevalence of hydatidosis in buffaloes –A retrospective study

Aim: To identify the prevalence of Hydatidosis in buffaloe-calves, heifers and adults slaughtered in slaughter house of Mirha Exports Pvt. Ltd. between March 2010 to Feb. 2011. Materials and Methods: 2,09,615 buffaloes slaughtered were included in this study and were categorized into three groups (A, B and C) based on their age at the time of ante-mortem examination. Group A consisted of calves (>1 year), accounting for 5100 out of the total number of animals. Group B consisted of heifers (2-3 years) accounting for 7840. Group C consisted of adult buffaloes (3-7 years) accounting for 1, 96675. Results: Our study revealed an overall prevalence of hydatidosis as 50.96%. Furthermore, the group wise analysis showed the prevalence as 3.52%, 5.58% and 54% in calves, heifers and adult buffaloes, respectively. Conclusion: Based on the factors considered, we conclude that the higher prevalence of infections in buffaloes slaughtered in the Mirha Exports is likely due to an overpopulation of stray dogs in the areas from which the plant gets its supply of animals. Keywords: buffalo, hydatid cyst, prevalence, retrospective study, slaughter