An abattoir study on the prevalence of some helminths among slaughtered cattle, sheep and goats from Mwanza city, lake Victoria basin, Tanzania.

The main source of animal protein for humans is livestock and their products. Parasitism is one of the main constraints limiting livestock production. A study was conducted to determine the prevalence of helminths in slaughtered cattle, sheep and goats in Mwanza City, Tanzania. The period of study was from 2008 to 2011 within which a total of 191,033 and 107,498 sheep and goats were respectively slaughtered. The prevalence rate of helminths infections in cattle was: Fasciolosis 7.92%, oesophagostomosis (pimply gut) 4.38%, Hydatidosis 2.15% and Stilesia hepatica 1.86%. In sheep and goats oesophagostomosis was 7.13%, Stilesia hepatica 4.88%, Fasciolosis 1.23% and Hydatidosis 1.05%. Other parasitic conditions recorded in sheep and goats at low prevalence are: Cysticercus tenuicollis and Haemonchus contortus. Other pathologic conditions recorded in cattle which may have a bearing on helminth infections were fatty degeneration, melanosis, hepatitis, and liver cirrhosis. Among the observed parasitic infections some were of zoonotic nature and these included hydatidosis, fasciolosis and C. tennuicollis. It is recommended that efforts should be made to control these infections as they are both of economic and public health importance.Key words: Abattoir, helminths, parasites, zoonotic