MORPHOLOGICAL AND BIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF HYDATID CYCTS IN SLAUGHTERED SHEEP AND GOAT AT AKINYELE ABATTOIR IBADAN

Cystic echinococcosis (hydatidosis) is a zoonotic disease caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus, affecting livestock and posing significant public health and economic challenges. This study investigated the prevalence, morphological characteristics, biochemical composition, and zoonotic awareness of hydatid cysts in sheep and goats slaughtered at Akinyele abattoir, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. A total of 200 animals (100 sheep and 100 goats) were examined over an eight-week period. Cysts from infected organs (liver, lungs, and muscle) were collected for morphological and biochemical analyses, including assays of enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP) and electrolytes (Na⁺, K⁺, Cl⁻). A structured questionnaire was also administered to abattoir workers to assess awareness of hydatidosis. Results revealed that the liver of goats was the most affected organ (5%), followed by muscles (3%) and lungs (1%) in sheep, indicating the liver as the major predilection site. Fertility analysis showed that goats harbored small, medium, and large fertile cysts, while sheep had only small fertile cysts, suggesting higher transmission potential in goats. Biochemical findings demonstrated a significant reduction in enzyme activities in infected tissues (ALT = 6.10 U/L, AST = 10.02 U/L, ALP = 27.20 U/L) compared to normal tissues (ALT = 15.07 U/L, AST = 67.23 U/L, ALP = 91.02 U/L), with only a mild decrease in total protein. Electrolyte profiles showed a marked decrease in sodium (134.21 mmol/L vs. 147.80 mmol/L), a slight increase in potassium (105.01 mmol/L vs. 100.01 mmol/L), and no significant change in chloride levels, reflecting moderate disruption of ionic balance. Questionnaire results indicated low awareness levels, with only 3% of primary-level and 20% of secondary-level respondents recognizing the zoonotic importance of the disease. In conclusion, hydatidosis remains an important zoonotic and economic concern in southwestern Nigeria, with goats serving as key intermediate hosts. The disease causes biochemical alterations in infected tissues and persists due to poor awareness among abattoir workers. It is therefore recommended that regular deworming, improved meat inspection, proper offal disposal, and community education be implemented to control the spread of Echinococcus granulosus and reduce its public health impact.