A cross-sectional study aimed at determining the
prevalence and cyst characteristics and estimating the
financial loss due to cystic echinococcosis (hydatidosis) in
cattle slaughtered at Wolayita Sodo municipal abattoir was
conducted from November 2009 to April 2010. Out of 546
cattle examined, 92 (16.85%) were found to harbor visible
hydatid cysts. Significantly higher infection was detected in
local (P<0.05) than crossbred cattle. No significant
variation was observed with regard to origin, sex, and body
condition status of animals. Regarding organ distribution,
infections of the lung, liver, spleen, and kidney were
57.78%, 35.46%, 8.75%, and 4.01%, respectively. Of the
total 1,097 hydatid cysts counted, 952 (86.78%), 136
(12.4%), and eight (0.82%) were found to be small-sized,
medium-sized, and large-sized, respectively. Likewise, out
of 450 cysts assessed, 138 (30.67%) were fertile, 241
(53.56%) sterile, and 71 (15.78%) calcified. Of the 138
fertile cysts subjected for viability test, 13 (9.42%) were
viable while 125 (90.57%) were nonviable. Moreover,
assessment of annual economic loss due to bovine
hydatidosis at Wolayita Sodo municipal abattoir from offal
condemnation and carcass weight loss was estimated at
410,755.90 Ethiopian Birr (ETB; 30,202.64 US$; 1 US$=
13.60 ETB). Despite the moderate magnitude of infection
detected currently, there seems to be an existing socioeconomic
situation favorable for hydatidosis, and hence, it
remains one of the most important diseases warranting
serious attention for prevention and control actions in
Wolayita zone. Hence, establishment of well-equipped
standardized abattoirs, creation of public awareness, and
control of stray dogs are of paramount importance.