Investigating the Prevalence of Hydatid Cyst Disease in Slaughtered Cows in Al-Diwaniyah Province, Iraq

Introduction: There are many pathogens, which have made their way as pathogens common to animals of different races and between the human races. A prevalent illness that harms both humans and animals in different ways is hydatidosis. The current study was concerned with the study of this disease in cows according to their different ages and spesies. The illness is very important from a medical and financial standpoint. Methods: (735) slaughtered cows were examined in Diwaniyah province, during the period from January to December 2023. The number of males was 449 and the number of females was 286, the affected organs were investigated in the parts of the carcass (liver, spleen, kidneys, lungs, heart). Information was recorded about the slaughtered animals, such as the sex of the animal, its age, and the type of the affected organ. Results: The results obtained from this study indicated that the rates of infection vary according to the months of the year. The highest rate was in January (36.61%), while the lowest rate of infection was in August. the results showed that the quantity of contaminated female cows is above the number of infected males. The highest incidence was recorded in (liver and lung together) female cows (81.25%) and (67.74%) lung injury only. (9.09%) Liver injury only. Conclusion: Hydatid cysts disease in cows and ruminants is of great importance and studies should be intensified in this aspect, due to the great damage caused by the parasite to the infected animal. In addition to the economic damage, then the greatest danger is the spread of the illness to humans. Based on all these reasons, the topic must receive great attention from researchers to prevent the spread of the disease.