Epizootiology of Cysticercus bovis in Imo state, Nigeria.

The incidence of Taenia saginata cysticercosis in cattle slaughtered for meat in Imo State, Nigeria, is reported. Examination of organs of 2,456 cattle in 8 abattoirs in both rural and urban parts of the state reveals that 642 (26.14%) were infected with Cysticercus bovis. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of infection in cattle slaughtered for the urban and rural communities. An inverse relationship between the ages of the animal and prevalence of infection with C. bovis was also recorded (r = -0.8352, P less than 0.05). No significant difference in prevalence rates was recorded between the sexes. The public health implication of the findings is discussed.