Cystic Echinococcosis In Small Ruminants (Sheep & Goat)

Cystic echinococcosis (CE), or hydatidosis, is a globally prevalent zoonotic disease caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus. Small ruminants like sheep and goats act as intermediate hosts, developing hydatid cysts mainly in the liver and lungs. The disease poses serious public health and economic risks, especially in areas with poor slaughter practices and uncontrolled dog populations. This review summarizes CE's etiology, transmission, epidemiology, diagnosis, and control in small ruminants. Ultrasound and necropsy are key diagnostic tools, while treatments include albendazole and EG95 vaccination. Preventive measures like proper offal disposal, farmer education, and One Health surveillance are essential to reduce CE prevalence and its zoonotic potential. The prevalence of hydatid cysts was significantly higher in sheep and goats of age equal to three years or less. In both sheep and goats, the rate infection of Hydatidosis was significantly higher in female than male.Key Words: CE, zoonotic, Hydatid cyst, Sheep and goats.