Prevalence of Common Food-Borne Parasitic Diseases in Slaughtered Ruminants in West Part of Iran

Background: To obtain update information on the prevalence of common food-borne parasitic diseases, this study designed to determine the prevalence of hydatidosis and liver flukes (Fasciola spp. and Dicrocoelium dendriticum) in the slaughtered cattle, sheep, and goats in Kermanshah, Iran from 2013 to 2016. Methods: In this four-year retrospective survey, information on the prevalence of hydatidosis and liver flukes were collected as a part of routine meat inspection of Iranian Veterinary Organization using a systematically visual inspection, palpation, and incisions of visceral organs. Data were analyzed using SPSS for Windows version 16.0. Results: The hydatidosis infection from liver and lung in cattle were 3.24% (3347/103198) and 4.41% (4553/103198), respectively; while the corresponding infections for small ruminants (both sheep and goats) were 1.48% (5556/372985) and 1.79% (6685/372985), respectively. With respect to liver flukes, 5.99% (6187/103198) and 1.23% (4625/372985) cattle and small ruminants were infected by Fasciola spp., respectively; also, 4.81% (4968/103198) cattle and 2.33% (8722/372985) small ruminants were infected by D. dendriticum. The prevalence rates of parasitic disease in summer were significantly (p<0.05) higher than in winter. Conclusion: It can be concluded that Fasciola spp., D. dendriticum, and E. granulosus still remain the serious human and animal health problems in west part of Iran. More strict regulatory limitations and legislations must be applied to reduce the exposure of Iranian population to the important zoonotic parasitic diseases.