Bovine Cysticercosis at a Municipal Abattoir: Occurrence, Risk Factors, Community Practices and Perceptions in...

Bovine cysticercosis and taeniasis are significant neglected parasitic zoonotic diseases in sub-Saharan Africa, including Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2023 to May 2024 to estimate the prevalence of bovine cysticercosis at the Nekemte municipal abattoir and assess the level of public risk perception and practices. Ante-mortem examination and routine meat inspection were conducted, along with a questionnaire survey administered through face-to-face interviews to gather public responses on risk perception and practices related to bovine cysticercosis. Among the 402 cattle examined, 21.6% (95% CI: 17.7-26.0) were found positive for bovine cysticercosis. Age was a significant factor (p < 0.05) for the prevalence of bovine cysticercosis. Adult (aOR: 4.6, 95% CI: 1.3-15.7) and older (aOR: 3.8, 95% CI: 1.1-13.3) had higher odds of testing positive for bovine cysticercosis compared to young cattle. In terms of cyst distribution, the diaphragm, the shoulder muscle, and the heart were the most frequently affected organs, with prevalence rates of 6.5%, 5.0%, and 3.2%, respectively. A total of 178 cysts were recovered, resulting in an overall average intensity of 1.9 cysts per organ. The majority of respondents exhibited poor practices, 74.2% (95% CI: 65.4-81.7) and negative risk perception, 69.2% (95% CI: 60.1-77.3). Respondents who attended tertiary education were 4.8 times more likely to adopt good practices (OR = 4.8, 95% CI: 1.6, 14.1) compared to those who attended primary school or less. Urban residents demonstrate better practices, with a likelihood 3.3 times greater (OR = 3.3, 95% CI: 1.2-8.7) than rural residents. Muslims were 2.7 times more likely (OR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.1, 6.3) to exhibit better practices compared to Christians. Furthermore, individuals with tertiary education had a risk perception that is 4.5 times more likely (OR = 4.5, 95% CI: 1.6, 11.6) than those who completed only primary school or less. In conclusion, the study revealed a moderately high prevalence of bovine cysticercosis, while public practices remained poor, coupled with a low level of risk perception. This highlights the need for increased attention to mitigate potential economic losses and health crises for both animals and humans associated with bovine cysticercosis.