Prevalence and Types of Gross Lung Lesions in Cattle Slaughtered at the Gondar ELFORA Abattoir: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The respiratory system, particularly the lungs, is highly vulnerable to various diseases due to the inhalation of contaminated air and the aspiration of drenches. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of gross lung abnormalities and their economic impact in cattle slaughtered at the Gondar ELFORA abattoir.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was used in the study period between December 2023 and June 2024. Systematic random sampling was used to examine every fourth lung hung on the rail. A total of 382 lung samples were examined by visual inspection, palpation, and incision and analysed using descriptive statistical analysis, including calculation of prevalence and the χ2 test.

RESULT: The study showed that 231 (60.45%) of the lungs examined had one or more lesions. The prevalence of specific lung conditions was as follows: emphysema (18.06%; p value < 0.001), hydatid cyst (13.87%; p value < 0.001), atelectasis (7.33%; p value < 0.001), pulmonary abscess (6.54%; p value < 0.001), haemorrhage (5.75%; p value < 0.001), fibrosis (3.14%; p value = 0.004), calcification (2.87%; p value = 0.036), oedema (2.6%) and lung worm infestation (0%). Hydatidosis and emphysema were significantly influenced both by body condition and age (p < 0.05). Cattle with thin body conditions showed significant associations with both atelectasis (p = 0.029) and abscess (p = 0.001). In contrast, there was no significant association between age and atelectasis (X 2 = 1.4595; p = 0.227) and abscess (X 2 = 2.6145; p = 0.106). Of the affected lungs, 176 were condemned due to aesthetic concerns and suspected zoonotic risks, representing a total rejection rate of 46%. The estimated annual economic loss due to lung rejection was approximately $11,836.95 (1,850,115.30 ETB) per year.

CONCLUSION

During the study period, nearly half of the lungs of slaughtered cattle were rejected due to zoonotic concerns and aesthetic values. The substantial rate of pulmonary lesions with a predominant rate of hydatidosis and emphysema resulted in a considerable rejection rate, implicating a critical public health concern. The significant rate of economic loss from this abattoir with low slaughter volume could indicate huge economic loss at the country level and the urgency of improving herd health management.