A cross-sectional study was conducted in cattle slaughtered at Gimbichu municipal Abattoir from July 2022 to October 2022 to investigate bovine cysticercosis around Gimbichu town, in Hadiya zone central Ethiopia region. Of the total 384 examined carcasses, 30(7.81%) were found infected with various number of Cysticercus bovis in different organs. Organ distribution of the cysts showed highest proportion was observed in heart muscle, 11 (2.86%) followed by masseter muscle 6(1.56%), liver 5 (1.30%), triceps muscle 3(0.78%) and Tongue 3(0.78%) respectively. The prevalence of C. bovis was significantly different with in age categories, breed and body condition of the slaughtered cattle. The prevalence in relation to age was 17.02% in adult animal and 6.52% in old but in relation to body condition score, the highest prevalence was found in animal with medium body condition score which account for 40.00) and 4.58% in good body condition. Of the total 120 interviewed respondents, 11(9.16%) had contracted Taenia saginata infection. The prevalence was 24% in farmer, 40% in illetrate, 25 in peoples that consume raw meat and 30% people that consume meat from local butcher. Human taeniasis prevalence showed significant (p<0.05) differences with carcass source, occupation, education level, and meat consumption habit of respondents. The study revealed the presence of bovine cysticercosis and its public health hazards need increased awareness of the health impact of taeniasis to safeguard the community.

1.1 Background of Study

According to central statistical Agency in 2015, Ethiopia has largest in livestock population in Africa with an estimated 56,706,389 cattle, about 29,332,382 sheep and 29,112,963 goats (CSA, 2015). However, national income and livestock population were not comparable due to different factors in Ethiopia. Therefore, livestock productivity is coming down due to major constraints such as diseases, low genetic potential of indigenous cattle and poor reproductive performance, scarcity of nutrition, and lack of good husbandry practices (Negassa et al., 2011). From several constraints, diseases are major concern. Among highly prevalent diseases, bovine cysticercosis is most common that economic losses, and public health problems (Tariku and Beredo, 2019). It is a muscular infection of cattle caused by the larvae of the human intestinal cestode (Soulsby, 2009). Animal diseases are one of the most important constraints to increase productivity of food animals in all parts of the world. Parasitism is one of the major problems that affect the productivity of livestock. Taenia saginata (T. saginata)/taeniasis/bovine cysticercosis is one of the major parasitic diseases Transmitted by eating raw or undercooked meat infected with cyst stage of the parasites. It does not only lead to economic loses, but also adversely affect the public health (Dorny et al., 2009). T.saginata is a cosmopolitan parasitic disease found in industrialized countries as well as in developing countries. It is also more common in populations or age groups that consume raw or undercooked beef (Murrell, 2005). In Eastern African countries like Ethiopia up to 70% of the population reports to have been infected with a tapeworm (Kebede et al.,2009), while in developed western countries much lower prevalence (0.01% to 10%) were recorded (Dorny et al., 2009). Similarly, bovine cysticercosis is highly prevalent in developing countries like Ethiopia.

The prevalence of bovine cysticercosis in Ethiopia reported so far varies from relatively lower prevalence of 3.1% in central Ethiopia (Tembo, 2001) to as high as 26.2% at Hawassa (Abunna et al., 2008) whereas in Europe it ranges from 0.007% to 6.8% (Dorny et al., 2009). Differences in geographical isolates of the parasite and in the breed and age of cattle have been suggested as possible factors affecting the distribution of C. bovis (Tembo, 2001) Economic losses due to bovine cysticercosis are associated with total condemnation of carcasses with generalized infestation and downgrading of carcasses which are subjected to refrigeration. in addition to the cost of refrigeration and extra handling and transport (Kebede et al., 2009). The treatment cost for human and costs of manufacturing of drugs have significant contribution in estimation of economic losses (Cabaret et al., 2002).

There are works done in other parts of the country but there is no published or accessible data on the occurrence of C. bovis in and around Gimbichu area. Live cattle having C. bovis shows no symptoms, however, heavy infestation by the larvae may cause myocarditis or heart failure (Gracey and Collins, 1992). Cysticerci can remain alive in cattle anywhere from weeks to years and such infection in cattle is a public health problem as the infected raw or under cooked beef causes taeniasis in human. It has economic significance as well as the economic losses occurring from the condemned and downgraded carcasses and due to treatment of carcasses before. In developing countries, a large proportion of carcasses escape meat inspection because it is not practiced or the animals are not slaughtered in abattoirs (Dorny et al., 2009). Human taeniosis/Taenia saginata is a cosmopolitan parasitic disease found in industrialized countries as well as in developing countries. Taeniosis is more common in populations /age groups that consume raw or undercooked beef (Murrell, 2005). In Eastern African countries like Ethiopia up to 70% of the population reports to have been infected while in developed western countries much lower prevalence (0.01% to 10%) were recorded (Cabaret et al., 2002; Dorny et al., 2007). Similarly, bovine cysticercosis, the source of infection for human beings is highly prevalent in developing countries including sub-Saharan Africa and Ethiopia.

1.2 Statement of Problem

The custom of eating raw or undercooked beef dishes such as kourt, lebleb, kitffo and the habit of defecating in open fields coupled with the tradition of allowing cattle to graze in such fields made taeniasis of human and cysticercosis of cattle are common in Ethiopia. The cultural habit of eating raw meat in form of “Kourt” meat cubes and “Kitffo” minced meat in Ethiopia, has favored the spread of this disease. (Fufa, 2006). Despite different research that has been carry out in the country, so it would be better to have different information of the disease throughout the country in order to control and prevent the disease. Therefore, the current study was carried out to assess the prevalence of C. bovis at Gimbichu town Municipal Abattoir and to determine the distribution of cysts in organs and tissue of infected animals.

1.3 Objectives

1.3.1 General objective

 To carry out epidemiological investigation on the prevalence and public health importance of cysticercus bovis in cattle slaughtered at Gimbichu municipal abattoir, Hadiya Zone, Central Ethiopia Region

1.3.2 Specific objective

 To estimate the prevalence of the C.bovis in study area

 To assess public health awerness about c.bovis in study area

 To identify the major risk factors associated with c. bovis in Gimbichu town

2.1. Description of the Parasite

2.1.1. Taxonomy

Taenia saginata and its metacestode cysticercus bovis, the unarmed beef tapeworm, belong to the class Cestoda order Cyclophyllidea Family Taeniidae and Genus Taenia (Soulsby, 1999; Urquhart et al., 1996). It resides in small intestine of humans where it attaches using its scolex and can survive for many years.

2.1.2. Morphology

The adult is ribbon-shaped, multi segmented and hermaphroditic flatworm its body divided into three distinct parts consisting of scolex (head), neck and strobila (Gracey, 1981; Soulsby, 1982). The scolex, measuring 1mm to 2mm in diameter, has four strong hemispherical suckers. There is no rostellum and hooks and the predilection site in the intestinal mucosa is in the proximal part of the jejunum (O.I.E., 2000). The neck is short unsegemented with a germinal structur immediately behind the scolex, which continuously produces proglottids (Urquhart et al., 1996). The strobilaisa chain of segments made up of sexually immature and mature gravid segments in linear sequence. Each segment is called progllotid and strobilization occurs at the distal part of the neck (Soulsby, 1996). An adult T. saginata tapeworm has 600 to 2000 segments each of which is hermaphroditic with one set of reproductive organs and genital pores which open on the lateral margin(s) of the segment. Self and cross fertilization between and among proglottids is possible. The gravid proglottids are 15 to 35mm long and 5 to 7mm wide and filled with eggs which detach from the strobila singly. This implies that coproscopic examination has a limited value in the diagnosis of Taenia saginata infection (Doyle et al., 1997). It is estimated that each graved segment can contain as many as 80,000 to 100,000 eggs and an infected person may shed about 24-50 million eggs daily (Gracey, 1981; Teka, 1997). Eggs passed in feces or discharged from ruptured gravid segments are sub spherical to spherical in shape. The egg consists of the hexacanth (6-hooked) embryo (oncosphere) thick dark brown to yellow in color. There is an outer oval membranous coat, the true egg shell, which is lost in fecal eggs. It measures 30-41 micrometers in diameter and 46 to 50 micrometers in length (Soulsby, 1982; O I E., 2000). The eggs survive up to 200 days in moist manure, 33 days in river water, 154 days on pasture and are resistant to moderate desiccation, disinfectants and low temperature (4-50c) (Doyle et al., 1997). The larval stages (C. bovis,), or metacestodes also referred to as “beef measles” are found in all striated muscles of the intermediate host. C bovis is a small (pea-sized) oval in shape (O.I.E., 2000), semi-translucent cyst filled with dense white fluid containing an invaginated scolex. The metacestode is morphologically similar to the future adult tapeworm. It measures about 10mm in diameter and 6mm in length (Doyle et al., 1997). When incised, the cyst may be viable containing a thin fibrinous capsule or degenerate showing cream or green colored calcification (O.I.E., 2000). The cysticerci are formed over a period of 3-4 months after the egg is ingested. This form may remain viable in the intermediate host for up to 9 months or even up to the entire life of the host. In the carcass, C bovis can survive for up to 9 months or even up to the entire life of host. In the carcass C. bovis can survive for about 15 days at 50C, 9 days at 100C and 6 days at -150C to -30 0C (Harrison and Sewell, 1991). If a carcass is found to contain cysts, it is required to be frozen at -100C for 10 days, however if the lesions are extensive, the entire carcass is condemned.

2.2. Epidemiology

Taenia saginata, Taeniasis occurs throughout the world with variable degree of prevalence (Harrison and Sewell, 1998). Its prevalence could be classified into three groups: high prevalence with Taeniasis exceeding 10%, moderate infection rates (0.1-10%) and Low infection rate less than 0.1% (Doyle et al., 1997; Minozzo et al., 2002). Poor hygiene, poor sanitation, poor livestock husbandry practices and inadequate meat inspection and control and also eating raw or insufficiently cooked meat can be risk factors for the spread of the disease (Caparet et al., 2002, Minozzo et al., 2002). Highly endemic areas include central and East African countries (Ethiopia, Kenya, and Zaire), Argentina, Caucasian and South-Central Asian republics of the former USSR and in the Mediterranean Region (Syria, Lebanon and Yugoslavia) (Florova, 1982). In some parts of Serbia and Montenegro, up to 65% of children have been reported to harbor T. Saginata (Florova, 1982). Moderate prevalence is encountered in South East Asia (Thailand, India, Vietnam and Philippines), Japan as well as countries of Western Europe and South America while Canada, the USA, Australia and some counties of the Western Pacific have low prevalence (Harrison and Sewell 1991).

In developing countries, cattle are reared on extensive scale, human sanitation is of comparatively lower standards and the inhabitants traditionally eat raw or inadequately cooked beef. The prevalence of Taeniasis is over 20% in certain areas of these countries. Based on routine carcass inspection the infection rate of bovine cysticercosis is often around 30-60% although, the real prevalence is considerably of high (Tembo, 2001). T. Saginata infections also occur in developed countries, where standards of sanitation are high and meat is carefully inspected and generally thoroughly cooked. Taeniasis/cysticercosis spreads in developed areas of the world through tourists enjoying the consumption of lightly grilled meat, mass migration of labor and the export of meat unreliably passed by “eye or knife” inspection or from live animals imported from endemic areas (Mann, 1984). Prevalence in these parts of the world is less than 1%. Occasionally, however, cysticercosis “storms” have been reported on particular farms. The cause of the storm has been attributed to the use of human sewage on pasture and the use of migrant labor (O.I E., 2000). In developed countries, cattle of any age are susceptible to infection since they generally possess no acquired immunity (Yoder et al., 1994). High prevalence of T. saginata/ Cyticercus bovis in Africa where cattle are kept in community grazing lands. The parasites appear to be specific to cattle, while wild animals play no part as intermediate hosts.

In Ethiopia, the rural communities mainly raise cattle under extensive husbandry practices. Existence of higher population density, raw meat consumption, low awareness, poor hygiene and sanitary infrastructures may facilitate transmission of the disease between animals and human beings in the rural areas. The prevalence reports of cysticercosis in Ethiopia showed variable results with localities. Relatively, lower prevalence of 3.1% in Central Ethiopia (Tembo, 2001), and higher 30% from different abattoirs in the country.

2.3. Life Cycle

Humans get infected by eating inadequately prepared beef that is contaminated with viable cysts (Dorny et al., 2010). A single cyst is normally sufficient to establish an infection, but multi- infections do occur (Dorny and Praet, 2007). There are estimates that one infected bovine carcass could infect on average 8-20 human individuals (Dupuy et al., 2010). 

The adult tapeworm was developed in the small intestine of its human host. These tapeworms reach maturity in two to three months and can be quite remarkable in size with a length of 3.12 meters (FAO/WHO, 2014). In the absence of treatment, the tapeworm can occupy human intestines for 20-25 years (Hoberg, 2002). An adult tapeworm was release gravid proglottids that contain 30,000-50,000 eggs. These proglottids were leave the body of host by active migration through the anus or within the stools. I n the stools proglottids are usually locate on the surface of the faces (Cabaret et al., 2002). The released eggs contain oncosphere (a larva) that is infective immediately after being released by the host. Cattle become infected by grazing on a contaminated pasture. The pasture can become contaminated directly with human faeces containing Taenia eggs, or indirectly via sewage sediment or flooding (FAO/, 2014). Eggs hatch in the digestive system of cattle and the oncospheres are released. They penetrate though the intestinal wall and start circulating in lymphatic system and in the blood. After the migration in the body the larvae were develop into cysts. This was taking place in eight to ten weeks, after what they are already infective to humans (Flisser et al., 2005). The cysts lodge itself in to the smooth muscle tissue, including heart, masseter muscles, tongue and diaphragm (FAO/WHO, 2014). Approximately nine months after infection most cysts have died and calcified (Flisser et al. 2005) but some remain viable in the muscles. After eating raw beef that is containing 12 viable cysts humans get infected and the cycle begins again

2.4. Clinical Manifestations

Usually, humans are infected by single T. saginata tapeworm (Dorny and Prate, 2007). In humans the adult T.saginata tapeworm lives in the digestive system, in small intestine. Most frequently infected people are asymptomatic or suffer from anal pruritis and discharge of faecal proglottids (FAO/WHO, 2014). This shedding can start as early as ten weeks after infection and by that time the tapeworm was found to be approximately three meters long. Humans can shed Taenia eggs with faeces even without any symptoms present. Sometimes there is non-specific symptoms present, such as vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, epigastric pain and weight loss. Rarely this tapeworm can cause ileus, pancreatitis, cholecystitis or cholangitis (FAO/WHO, 2014). Even more rarely T.saginata can cause bowel obstruction (Karanikas et al., 2007). There is one case report published with T. saginata causing acute cholangitis-this is not normally in the nature of this parasite (Uygur-Bayramicli et al., 2012). Light or moderate cysticercosis in cattle is not usually associated with any defined clinical picture. Heavy infections, those induced experimentally by 200,000 to 1,000,000 T. saginata eggs, may give rise to fever, weakness, profuse salivation, anorexia, increase heart death between 14 to 16 days due to a degenerative myocarditis (Oryan et al., 1998).

2.5. Diagnosis

Definitive diagnosis is based on identifying the proglottid, since the eggs of T. saginata cannot be distinguished from those of other species of Taenia. The gravid proglottid of T. saginata has 15 to 35 lateral branches of the uterus on each side of the main uterine stem (Harrison and Swell, 1991; Teka, 1997). If the gravid proglottid is treated with 10% formaldehyde and injected with Indian ink the uterine branches are very prominent. Uterine branches also can be seen by gentle Pressing the proglottid between two microscope slides and holding them in front of a bright ligh (O.I.E., 2000). If the scolex is present, the four characteristic hookless suckers can be used as a distinguishing feature for identification (Symth, 1994). The development of DNA probes has made it possible to distinguish T. saginata from T.solium. Sensitivity of serological tests varies depending on the particular method and the clinical form of infection (Doyale et al., 1997). A”deep stick” technique based on an antigen capture ELISA, to detect copro-antigens in feces has been developed for Taenia species in humans (Zarlenga and Rhoods 1999). The metacestodes are readily visible in the organs of musculature at autopsy and therefore; diagnosis of bovine cysticercosis is usually made during postmortem examination in abattoirs and packing plants. Meat inspection relies exclusively on visual examination of the intact and cut surfaces of the Carcass (eye and- knife method) in the slaughterhouse by meat inspectors who follow officially laid-down procedures (Yoder et al., 1994). Individual countries have different regulations regarding the inspection of carcasses, but invariably the masseter muscle, tongue and heart are incised and examined. Several of these are also the sites at which the largest concentration of metacestodes is found in experimentally infected animals. The effectiveness of meat inspection in the detection of C. bovis depends on the procedure used. The following are laid as normal routine inspection of carcasses by the Ministry of Agriculture in Ethiopian Meat Inspection Regulation Notice Number 428 of 1972.

2.6. Prevention and Control

Lack of and improper use of latrine or open field defecation leads to contamination of grazing lands. The use of latrine reduces spread of T. saginata eggs. Controlled grazing, avoiding use of sewage effluent to fertilize pasture, prevents infection in cattle (Symth, 1994). Adequate meat inspection, abstinence from eating raw or inadequately cooked beef (through cooking of meat at a temperature of 56-60 0c) and freezing the infected carcass at - 100c for 10 days prevents human infection. Chemotherapy in human reduces the spread of eggs and infection in cattle (Solusby, 1982).

2.7 Treatment

There are a number of taenicidal drugs available in the market. However, the drug of choice in treating Taeniasis is niclosamide (Niclocide, Yomesan). Adult dose rate of 2000 mg is effective in damaging the worm to such an extent that a purge following therapy often produces the scolex. Praziquantel (Bilitricide) at a dose rate of 5 to 10 mg per kg also has been reported highly effective (Doyale et al., 1997) but the scolex is partially digested and often not recovered (Symth, 1994). Other drugs used in the treatment of T. saginata are mebendazole (Doyale et al., 1997) followed by purgatives such as magnesium sulphate to expel the dead worms. In animals’ treatment with 50mg/kg of compounds such as albendazole, praziquantel or mebendazole can be given but they are considered not fully effective (Symth, 1994; Solusby, 1982) Protective responses that can be induced readily in the intermediate hosts may be used to control the infection in cattle (Lightowlers et al., 1996).

2.8 Public Health Importance             

Taenia saginata is very long (3-15 meters in length) tapeworm parasite whose adult form is found attached to the small intestinal tracts of human beings. In man it has been known to live for 20 years with in single individual. Therefore, it is an intestinal parasite of cattle and humans, causing taeniasis in humans. Taeniasis has debilitating effect on people who already have live of protein deficiency diets suffer from iron deficiency and infested by hook worm (FAO, 2004). T.saginata is found in small intestine of humans which computed through the absorption of the digested food and its proglottids migrate to different organs causing different signs (Kebede N. et al., 2008). T. saginata infection is usually asymptomatic. However, heavy infection often results in weight loss, dizziness, abdominal pain diarrhea, headaches, nausea, constipation or chronic indigestion and loss of appetite. It is also rare cause of pancreatitis, cholecystitis and cholangitis (WHO,2013) and (FAO, 2004) stated that the disease can also cause obstruction of the bowel, stomach-ache and migrating proglottids cause inflammation of the appendix, inflammation of the bile duct, unpleasant surprise from the faces; whereas (Teka G.,1997) stated that taeniasis in humans causes anal purities due to emerging tapeworm segments but with severe infection humans may experience increased appetite or loss of appetite, abdominal discomfort and digestive upset.

2.9 Economic Importance

While ill-health caused by the adult worms in humans give rise to high medical costs (Fan,1997), the economic losses due to bovine cysticercosis are mainly due to condemnation, refrigeration and downgrading of infected carcasses. Economic losses from cysticercosis are determined by disease prevalence, grade of animals infested, potential markets, prices of cattle and treatment cost for detained carcasses (Grindle, 1978). For the African continent, an annual loss was reported to be US$1.8 billion (Mann, 1984) under an overall infestation rate of 7%. However, country’s high cattle population, poor hygiene, and common occurrence of bovine cysticercosis reflect heavy losses

3.1 Study Area Description

The study was conducted in Gimbichu town in the Central Region of Ethiopia and part of the Hadiya Zone which it is located at a distance of 296 km South of Addis Ababa at 7° 30'-7° 43' North latitude and 37° 35'-38° 05' East longitude. Bordered in the South by the Mirabi-soro, on the Southwest by the Dawro Zone, on the West by the Omo River which is separates it’s from the Oromia Region, on the North by Gomibora woreda, on the Northeast by Limo woreda, and the Southeast by Duna woreda. The mean annual total rainfall is about 1260 mm and has average temperature of 19°C. Accordingly, it’s two rainy seasons, Belg and Kiremt. Belg is the short rainy seasons and lasts between March and May. The kiremt season, which is the longest rainy season, lasts between June and September.  It has Kebeles with an estimated human population of 35,563 of which 15025 males and 20538 were females (GTAFEDO, 2022). The land coverage of the study area is 14543 hectares, and the agricultural production system is mixed farming. In the study area, dairy farms typically employed intensive and semi-intensive system to manage their improved crossbred and local animals. They are often provided with a supplementary diet in addition to the natural pasture and agricultural byproducts. The livestock population of the town is estimated to be 25739 cattle, 9035 sheep, 18470 goats, 69100 poultry, and 7450 equines (GTAO, 2022). The highest rainfall occurs in July and August. In terms of water resources in the study area, there are three main streams namely, Lintala stream (meaning the clean), Ajacho and Gamunna streams. Lintala stream originates from the foot of the Mount Shonkola.

3.2 Study Animals

The study animal was consisting of cattle at different age and sex categories originated from Gimbichu town and the surrounding woredas. The study animals were local and cross breeds of cattle presented for slaughter from Gimbichu and its surrounding areas mainly from Gimbichu, Jajjura, Dunna, and Mirabi soro to Gimbichu Municipal Abattoir. The body condition scores of animals were evaluated during ante-mortem examination and classified as emaciated (poor), moderate (medium) and good based on anatomical parts and the flesh and fat cover at different body parts. Besides the age of the cattle were categorized in to young, adult and old.3.3 Study Design A cross - sectional study was conducted in Gimbichu town, from July 2022 to October 2022 to carry out epidemiological investigation on the prevalence of bovine cysticercosis and to identify the most affected organ, as well as public health importance in the study area.

3.4 Sampling and Sample Size determination

Four kebeles namely Gimbichu, Jajjura, Dunna and Mirabi soro were purposively selected based on their high number of cattle populations reports from Gimbichu town agricultural office. Then individual study animals were selected by simple random sampling method in which all animals are equal chance of being selected. Sample size was determined according to Thrusfield, (2018) using 95% confidence level, 5% precision and 50% expected prevalence.b/se there was no published prevalence c.bovis in the study area.

n= 1.962(pexp)(1-pexp)

d2

Where:

n=required sample size.

Pexp=expected prevalence

D=desired absolute precision.

Based on the above formula 384 cattle were selected for this study but not to increase the precision of the result a total cattle’s were examined during the study period. 

3.5 Data Collection techniques

Three-day visit per week was carried to assess the presence of disease in slaughtered animal

3.5.1 Method of examination

The animal was examined befor and after slaughter (post-mortem inspection) to assese the Presence of disease out on the different predilection sites of the parasites.

 3.5.2 Ante- mortem inspection

Anti-mortem inspection of the animal was done day before slaughter to assess body condition, disease condition and place of origin of the animals. The main categorization was divided in to two categories based on their age 2-5 years as adult and great or equal to 5 years as old.

3.5.3 Post-mortem inspection

During post-mortem inspection, examination was made by making an incision on different muscles and organs to assess the presence of Cysticercus bovis. The study was based on routine meat inspection on randomly selected cattle slaughtered at the abattoir. The carcass was examined through routine incision of the organ and visual inspection.

3.6 Questionnaire survey on human taeniasis

Questionnaire survey on human taeniasis occurrence and its associated factors was administered on 120 randomly selected volunteer respondents from Gimbichu town and adjoining areas from who pre-informed consents were obtained. The predisposing factors of taeniasis such as age, sex, religion, occupation, educational levels (illiterate, primary school, secondary school, preparatory stage, college and university), habit of raw meat consumption, presence and usage of sanitary facilities especially toilet and knowledge of Taenia saginata were assessed.  Following detailed discussion on the objectives of the study with each participant, the interview was conducted face to face.

3.7 Data Analysis

The data collected from the active abattoir and questionnaire surveys were analyzed using STATA version-16.0. The overall prevalence of C.bovis was determined by dividing the number of positive cases by total number of cattle slaughtered at the study area. Descriptive statistical analysis such as table was used to summarize the data collected. The outcome variable for abattoir study in case of the C. bovies was detected during routine post-mortem inspection. The association between the factors and bovine taeniasis was assessed using Pearson’s Chisquare (χ2) test. The findings of the questionnaire survey data were summarized using descriptive analysis and important factors were tested with chi-square (χ2) test for their association with the occurrence of taeniasis in human at 5% alpha level of significance.

4. Result and Discussion

4.1.1 Overall Prevalence of Cysticercus. Bovis

Out of the total 384selected cattle passed for slaughter and inspected at Gimbichu municipal abattoir, a total of 30 (7.81%) animals were infected with various number of Cysticercus bovis in different organs. Active abattoir survey revealed that there was variation in the anatomical distributions of C. bovis in organs of inspected cattle. The most frequently affected organ with the highest number of cysts was the heart muscle (2.86%) followed by masseter muscle (1.56%), Liver (1.30%), tongue and triceps muscle (0.78%), and kidney (0.52%). The study revealed that the prevalence of C.bovis in cross breed was 50.00% recorded and the prevalence of local breeds were found 7.14% .Comparison was made on the prevalence of C.bovis on the group of age category that the.  Higher prevalence rate of 17.02% was recorded in adult age groups (less than 5 years) than in old 6.52% (age of above 5 years). Regarding to body condition of cattle the higher prevalence was observed in animals with medium body condition (40.00%) than in animals with good body condition score (4.58%). The reason behind low prevalence in good body condition than medium body condition might be due to the fact that most of the animals slaughtered in the abattoir were brought from fattening systems of the individual farmer, in which animals from such farms were less exposed to eggs of T. saginata as they graze on relatively clean defined pasture land; tying system to the pegs and intensive feeding system in the house for fattening purpose and use of anthelminthic drugs.

Table 1: prevalence of C.bovis based on origin, organ infected, breed age season and BCS of the animals

4.1.2 Prevalence of Cysticercus. bovis with its associated risk factors

Out of risk factor during study period organ infected, breeds, age and body condition score of the study animal were significantly associated (p<0>0.05) with C.bovis in study area

Table 2: over all prevalence of C.bovis in cattle slaughtered at Gimbichu municipal abattoir in relation to origin, organ infected, breeds, age and body condition score

4.1.3 Questionnaire survey result of T.saginata taeniasis

Of the total 120 voluntary respondents interviewed, 11 of them said they were infected with T. saginata at least once in their life time. This human taeniasis prevalence 9.18?monstrates the importance of taeniasis in Gimbichu town and its adjoining areas. In this study, the prevalence of T. saginata was found insignificantly associated between different sex, age and religion of respondents and with different age groups of respondents (p>0.05). The report indicates that T.saginata infection was significant in illiterate (without formal education) respondents than in literate (elementary up to high school) and graduates (colleges and universities). It was also significantly high in people with raw meat consumption (25%) habit than those who have never consumed (0%). This could be due to the long-time cultural habit of eating raw meat particularly that of ‘kurt’ and ‘kitifo’ in any social groups including those of the educated and even in the medical and veterinary professionals. The study revealed that occupation of the respondents had significant association with that of taeniasis (p<0>

Table 3: Infection of human taeniasis on the basis of sex, age, religion and level of education, occupation, meat consumption habit and source of carcass and its associated risk factor

The prevalence of bovine cysticercosis among 384 examined cattle in Arbaminch Municipal abattoir during the study period was 7.81% (30/384) which is greater than the findings of Kifle and Shiret who reported prevalence of 4.46% in the Debrebirhan abattoir and Similarly Dawit reported comparable prevalence rate of 4.9% at Gonder municipal abattoir. In contrast, higher prevalence of C. bovis compared to the current finding was reported in different abattoirs of the country by Abuna et al., 2008 (26.25%) at Hawassa abattoir; 18.49% by Kebede et al., 2009 in northwest Ethiopia; 17.5% by Hailu in east Shoa zone of the country, similar higher prevalence of 26% was reported by Opera et al., 2000) in Nigeria. MThis finding is considered higher than the previous reports of 2.2% by Teka,(2001), 3.2% by Tembo, 2001 (2.93%) in different regions of the country. The variation in prevalence of bovine cysticercosis might be due to the changes in the environmental and epidemiological factors, which could affect the rate of transmission of Taenia saginata/ bovine cysticercosis. The distribution of C. bovis could associate with the breed of cattle involved as intermediate host and their management, body condition score and age of slaughtered animals and other socio-economic related activities such as personal and environmental hygiene, variation in method and quality of meat inspection practices in different localities of a country.M There was variation in the anatomical distributions of C. bovis in organs of inspected cattle. The most frequently affected organ with the highest number of cysts was the heart muscle (2.86%) followed by masseter muscle (1.56%), Liver (1.30%), tongue and triceps muscle (0.78%) and kidney (0.52%). this finding agreed with Tegegne et al., 2018 reported in liver. This finding was disagreement with the finding of Abdulaziz et al., 2016 reported in liver, Addisu and Wondimu, 2015 reported in tongue, Kifle and Shiret, 2015 (reported in triceps muscle, Regassa et al., 2009 reported in heart, Nuraddis and Frew, reported in triceps muscle and Mesfin and Nuraddis, reported in tongue. The reason behind, these variations of anatomical distribution of cyst might be due to a number of factors, such as blood kinetics and animal’s daily activities. Any geographical and environmental factors affecting blood kinetics and meat inspector preferential for predilection sites during meat inspection in the animal affect the distribution the cysts in different organs of the host. Moreover, these organs usually consumed raw or undercooked that could pose public health hazard in contracting taeniasis (Higher prevalence was observed in cross breeds (50.00%) than local breeds (7.14%). Another possible reason for variation in prevalence may be due to difference in status of the people in the environment especially related to experience and appropriate use of toilet, habit of the community feeding raw and undercooked meat consumption. The number of viable T. saginata eggs ingested by cattle was also some of the reasons for variation of C. bovis prevalence indifferent localities. Very low prevalence rates of C. bovis were reported by different researchers, 0.37% by RodriguezHidalog et al., 2018 0.2% by Blessing et al., 2021 and 0.11% by Zdolec et al., 2020 were reported. Those very low reports comparing with this result could be mainly related to the control measures and eradication programs of the above countries towards the disease specifically due to strict application of meat inspection practices and difference in public health services and extension rules. Societies in developed and middle-income countries have better access for sanitation facilities and services as well as having good awareness towards environmental hygiene could be the possible factors for very low prevalence rate in the above countries. Compared with developing countries having poor socio-economic status and traditional feeding habits together with their back yard slaughtering practice increase the prevalence and transmission rate of the disease.

Of the total 120 voluntary respondents interviewed, 11 of them said they were infected with T. saginata at least once in their life time. This human taeniasis prevalence 9.18?monstrates the importance of taeniasis in Gimbichu town and its adjoining areas .In this study, the prevalence of T. saginata was found insignificantly associated between different sex of respondents and with different age groups of respondents (p>0.05).This finding agreed with the result of Abdulaziz et al., 2016 in Halaba Kulito (9.0%), but the current result was less than the results of Abunna et al., 2008 in Awassa town (64.2%), Terefe et al., 2014 in Harari (60.7%), Tegegne et al., 2016 in Kombelcha (33.8%), Gomol et al., 2011 in Jimma (56.7%), Endris and Negussie,2011 in Kombolcha (31%), Dawit et al., 2001 in Wolaita soddo (62.5%) and Regassa et al., 2009 in Wolaita soddo (50.6%). This variation of human taeniasis in different areas might be associated with the difference in occurrence of cysticercosis in cattle, the level of raw meat-eating culture among societies, the meat inspection procedures and backyard slaughtering practices. The study revealed that occupation of the respondents had significant association with that of taeniasis (p<0>, Lielt et al., in Bishoftu. But, disagreed with the report of Abdulaziz et al., 2016 in Halaba Kulito. The prevalence of T. saginata was higher in farmers (33.3%) followed by merchant (14.8%), students (3.3%) and gov.t employer (0.0%) (Table 3). This is due to the fact that the high exposed groups have higher access to contact with meat and meat by-products. As a result of this there could be a possibility of getting infection with T. saginata.

Bovine Cysticercosis is an infestation of cattle muscle tissue which caused by larval stage of Taenia saginata. It has global concern. However, it is very common in developing country where hygienic conditions are poor and where the inhabitants traditionally eat raw or insufficiently cooked meat. The infection is a problem in developed countries where undercooked meat is consumed. Although, environmental experts and communities apply efforts to improve sanitation and hygiene in rural setting and farming communities, cases of Cysticercosis bovis are prevalent. The present study showed that bovine cysticercosis was prevalent in Gimbichu and the surrounding areas. Although the recorded prevalence was lower compared to other studies, the significantly higher prevalence rate of viable C. bovis cysts in the slaughtered cattle showed that Taenia saginata/Cysticercus bovis is an important zoonotic parasitic disease in the study area. 

Since the prevalence of the disease still exists in the area, the following recommendation was forwarded.

•  Proper treatment of livestock should be put in to program by the farmer.
•  Competent meat inspection must be strictly implemented at every abattoir of the country.
•  Immunodiagnostics must be developed to supplement meat inspection procedures.
•  Public education to avoid consumption of raw meat must be made compulsory at different education levels.
•  Cysticercosis free husbandry should be encouraged.
• Vaccination and chemotherapy must be encouraged to control the infection.
•  Proper treatment of infected people as well as continues public health education should be provided to avoid consumption of raw meat.
•  Improving sanitary conditions including use of latrine has to be encouraged to reduce the public health risk and economic impact of Taenia saginata/Cysticercus bovis in in the areas.