Abstract

Objectives: This paper aims to determine the prevalence of camel hydatidosis among dromedary camels slaughtered at Jigjiga Municipal Abattoir, assess associated risk factors, identify the distribution of hydatid cysts in affected organs, and estimate direct economic losses resulting from organ condemnation. Methods: Camel hydatidosis caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus garanulosus is an important zoonotic parasitic disease with significant veterinary, public health, and economic losses. Therefore, a cross-sectional study was conducted from Sep 2024 to June 2026 at Jigjiga Municipal Abattoir, Somali Region, Eastern Ethiopia. A total of 384 dromedary camels originating from different zones of the Somali Region, such as Erer, Nogob, Libaan, and Fafan zones, were selected using a systematic random sampling technique. Ante-mortem examination was conducted to record the animals' origin, age, sex, and BCS, followed by detailed post-mortem examination of visceral organs using visual inspection, palpation, and systematic incision. Selected non-calcified cysts were examined for protoscoleces to assess cyst viability. Data were entered into Microsoft Excel and analyzed using SPSS version 27. The Chi-square test was used to evaluate associations between hydatidosis and potential risk factors. Results: 384 camels were examined; 147 were positive for hydatidosis; overall prevalence was 38.3%, and prevalence varied significantly by origin, sex, and age. The highest prevalence was found among camels originating from the Erer zone 50%, followed by the Nogob zone 43% and Fafan zone, while the lowest prevalence was found in the Libaan zone 17.3% (P>0.05). In she-camels, a higher prevalence of 64.3% was found compared to male camels 18.5% (P < 0.05). Prevalence also increased with age, from 4.9% in young camels to 51,5% in adults and 56.3% in old camels. Although hydatidosis was more frequent among camels with poor body condition, the association was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Conclusion: The current study showed that camel hydatidosis is common (38.3%) among camels slaughtered in Jigjiga Municipal Abattoir, indicating its importance for both animals and public health in the study area. The analysis showed that origin, sex, and age of animals were statistically significant risk factors (P<0.050), whereas body condition score was not statistically significantly associated with the occurrence of the disease. The condemnation of infected organs resulted in substantial direct financial losses, estimated at 4,569,763.5 annually, highlighting the economic impact of the disease on the livestock and abattoir industry. This finding demonstrates that camel hydatidosis is a major veterinary, public health, and economic concern in the study area. Overall, the study confirms that hydatidosis is highly prevalent among camels slaughtered at Jigjiga Municipal Abattoir and causes substantial organ condemnation and economic losses.