Metacestodes of sheep with special reference to their epidemiological status, pathogenesis and economic implications in Fars Province, Iran.

This study was undertaken over a period of 2 years. Of 7992 sheep examined, 2088 (26.12%), 2266 (28.36%), 15 (0.19%) and 738 (9.8%) were infected with Echinococcus granulosus, Taenia hydatigena, Taenia ovis and Taenia multiceps metacestodes, respectively. The prevalence was higher in animals belonging to migratory tribal people than in those owned by the permanent residents of Fars Province. Dogs in the former group also showed significantly higher levels of infection with E. granulosus (33.3%) and Taenia spp. (40.7%) than those in the latter group. The metacestodes caused tissue damage in different organs, resulting in condemnation of meat or viscera valued at 10.2 million rials. The migration of tribal people has a direct bearing on the transmission of these parasites and must be taken into account in control planning.