Retrospective study on the prevalence of Hydatid cyst, Fasciola species and Dicrocelium dendriticum in the liver of sheep and goats slaughtered in Saveh slaughterhouse, Markazi province and the estimation of economic losses caused by their liver condemnation from 2014 to 2020

Some zoonotic parasites such as Hydatid cyst, Fasciola species and Dicrocelium dendriticum cause death and economic losses in ruminants. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence rate of liver parasites in sheep and goats slaughtered in Saveh slaughterhouse and to estimate the economic losses caused by their condemnation. In a retrospective study, from April 2014 to April 2020, a total of 58,699 animals including 13,044 goats and 45,655 sheep were inspected in Saveh slaughterhouse for liver contamination with Hydatid cyst, Fasciola species and Dicrocelium dendriticum. The results showed that 72.85% of the animals were infected with parasites, 41.18%, 28.08%, and, 3.58% were infected with Dicrocelium dendriticum, Hydatid cyst, and Fasciola species, respectively. There was a statistically significant. The rate of infection with Dicrocelium dendriticum, Hydatid cyst and Fasciola species was 21.70%, 17.44%, and 1.33% in sheep and 16.48%, 10.64%, and 2.25% in goats, respectively. Statistically, the prevalence rate of liver infection with seasons was not significant except for 2015. The economic losses caused by the condemnation of the liver of slaughtered sheep and goats were estimated at 23,324,560,000 Rials ($241,330.16). With the high prevalence of parasitic diseases in small ruminants in the region and the economic losses caused by the condemnation of infected livers, and due to the fact that these diseases are zoonotic, it is crucial to use appropriate management methods to prevent or control the disease by competent authorities.