ABSTRACT

Taeniasis is a food-borne zoonotic infection with adult tapeworms (taenia saginata, Taenia solium or Taenia asiatica). They cause infection through the ingestion of under-cooked meat. They are prevalent 111 developing countries where sanitary standard is low. Emphasis is placed on the most common species of tapeworm of particular worldwide importance which is the Taenia saginata (Beef tapeworm). Tapeworm infection causes morbidity and results to huge economic loss to humans. The prevalence of Taenia saginata among cattle slaughtered in Ubakala and Lokpanta abattoirs in Umuahia South and Umunneochi L.G.A's respectively, both in Abia state, Nigeria was investigated using laboratory diagnostic methods. Faecal samples from 160 cattle from both abattoirs (Ubakala and Lokpanta) were examined for Taenia saginata eggs by the direct saline wet preparation methods and the formol-ether concentration technique. The study was conducted within two months from August to September. Out of 160 cattle examined, 7 (4.4%) were positive for T. saginata egg. In the positive sample, 4 and 3 belonged to Ubakala and Lokpanta abattoirs respectively. More male cattle were infected 5 (4.7%) than female 2 (3.7%). Some of the factors in the abattoirs considered to influence the transmission of the parasite from cattle to man include, regular cattle inspection before slaughtering, availability of electricity and storage facilities, availability of toilet around the abattoir and where cattle are temporarily kept before slaughtering and availability of clean water. An integrated system in the management of these factors will enhance effective control of the parasite. Careful recommendations were made to prevent the continuous spread of the infection in the study areas. The inference drawn from the analysis using Chi-square at 5% level of significance shows that the prevalence rates in both abattoirs is neither significantly different nor dependent on sex.