Meta-Analysis of Global Prevalence of Cystic Echinococcosis in Livestock Animals

Abstract

Cystic echinococcosis (CE), a zoonotic disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus, is a significant public health and economic burden, especially in developing countries where traditional farming is prevalent, and slaughterhouses are not controlled. This research aimed to compare CE prevalence in livestock (sheep, goats, cattle, camels, and pigs) across Africa, Asia, and Europe using a statistical meta-analysis approach.

Method: According to systematic review methodology and by adherence to PRISMA guidelines, 14 studies from the 15 years were analyzed, excluding data from the Americas and Australia due to very low prevalence and successful control measures.

Results: In Africa, CE prevalence was highest in cattle (46.8%) in Ethiopia and Sudanese camels (29.7%), mainly because of primitive slaughter practices and limited veterinary care. Asia showed very variable prevalence rates: Saudi Arabian camels had 32.8% prevalence in nomadic herds but only 0.51% in commercial farms, while China maintained low rates (sheep: 3.5%, cattle: 4.1%) due to stringent abattoir controls. The meta-analysis of sheep data showed that the pooled prevalence in Africa was 5.73% (95% CI: 20.01–38.59%), much far from that of Europe 7% (CI: 2–14%), but higher than that of Asia at 3% (CI: 1–6%). The alternative hypothesis is then accepted. However, data in Europe is inflated by the prevalence in Sardinia, Italy.

Conclusions: Data suggested that CE rate in animals is higher in Africa than in Europe and Asia. This is mainly due to poor hygiene, slaughtering of animals without adequate veterinary supervision, and the lack of dog deworming and community education.