Studies on hydatidosis in slaughtered camels in Egypt

Hydatid cyst or hydatidosis is a cyclozoonotic parasite of worldwide distribution. Human and animal cases have been reported in Egypt by many authors. Also, the tape worm Echinococcus granulosus has been reported in stray dogs. The present work studied hydatidosis in 400159 camels imported from Sudan over five years (1992 to 1996) and slaughtered in governmental abattoirs under the supervision of GOVS. The overall annual prevalence rates of camel infection were 5.5% (1992), 6.1% (1993), 6.7% (1994), 8.2% (1995) and 4.3% (1996). The most predicted site of infection was the lung followed by the liver. Cystic infection in other organs were rarely seen. The fertility of the cysts was 29% and 20% in lung and liver respectively. Macroscopic and microscopic studies of some interesting cysts were done. No doubt, hydatidosis is a public health problem that affects also the human welfare and economy. The preventive and control measures for man and animal were discussed.