Prevalence of cystic echinococcosis in pigs from Slovakia, with evaluation of size, fertility and number of hydatid cysts

The regional occurrence of cystic echinococcosis in slaughtered pig from Slovakia was studied in the period of 2000–2008, along with the quantitative parameters associated with the establishment of cysts (intensity of infection, fertility, size). From 103 pig livers collected from abattoirs in 35 sites Slovakia as suspected for Echinococcus infection, 63 were positive for cystic echinococcosis, whereas in 40 livers cysticercosis was diagnosed. Fertile cysts with echinococcal protoscoleces were recorded in 25.4 % of positive pigs, with the 8.9 % fertility rate and the intensity of infection reaching value of 5.9 cysts per liver. The average size of fertile cysts was more than three times larger than diameter of sterile cysts (diameters of 4.67 cm vs. 1.37 cm, respectively). No significant differences in relative amounts of fertile and sterile cysts were found among counties (P = 0.15). The annual prevalence of E. granulosus in pigs in 2000–2 008 has ranged from 0.02 % to 0.13 % (average rate 0.08 %), with the decreasing tendency over the period, especially after 2005. The most heavily affected areas with cystic echinococcosis over 2006–2008 were indicated in Prešov (eastern Slovakia, 0.68 % prevalence) and Komárno districts (southwestern Slovakia, 0.26 % prevalence). Obtained data are relevant in designing regional control strategies to suppress the occurrence of disease in livestock and risk for humans to be infected.