Prevalence of Cysticercus bovis in slaughtered cattle determined by traditional meat inspection in Croatian abattoir from 2005 to 2010

Abstract

Abstract The aim of this work was to evaluate the presence of Cysticercus bovis of slaughtered cattle in a Croatian slaughterhouse between 2005 and 2010. In total, 203 166 carcasses and organs were examined, of which in 228 C. bovis was found (0.11 %). The highest number of cysticercosis was found in cows (0.69 %, n = 13 605), then in steers (0.093 %; n = 134 212), and the lowest in calves (0.014 %; n = 55 349). Among the 228 positive specimens, 129 (56.57 %) came from rural estates and 99 (43.43 %) from farms. The ratio of invaded steers from rural estates (n = 2 790) and from farm breed (n = 131 422) was 1.075 %: 0.064 %, calves (n = 316 and n = 55 033) 0.316 %: 0.012 %, and cows (n = 8 985 and n = 4 620) 097 %: 0.15 %. The number of cysticercosis invaded cattle decreased from the initial 0.37 % to 0.07 %. Despite low prevalence, we consider that each positive result requires an individual epidemiologic study in order to decrease the risk even more.