First time recording of seasonal prevalence of Cysticercus tenuuicollis among small ruminants at Matrouh City,Egypt.

As first time recording, the purpose of this study was to estimate the monthly and seasonal prevalence of Cysticercus tenuicollis, (C. tenuicollis); identify factors that can influence its occurrence and to assess the distribution of the cyst in the visceral organs of sheep and goats slaughtered at Matrouh city abattoir in Allam Elrom- Marsa Matrouh governorate, Egypt. A total of 4216 animals (1400 sheep and 2816 goats) were examined during the period from 28 November 2019 till 27 November 2020 at the abattoir. The overall prevalence of C. tenuicollis was 17.7%, and 21% and 11% in goats and sheep respectively. There was significant variation in the prevalence of C. tenuicollis between sheep and goats and other animal species was considered as a risk factor as goat had a 2-time chance of infection more than sheep (X2 = 64.501a and P = 0.000). There was no significant variation in the prevalence of C. tenuicollis between male and female. The cyst was found most frequently attached to omentum, liver, lung, and diaphragm in both sheep and goats. Concerning seasonal dynamics of C. tenuicollis was found to increase during Autumn season (19.1%) to reach its maximum during Winter (20.7%) and started to decrease during Spring (17.1%) to be the lowest in Summer season (15%). In conclusion, the presence of C. tenuicollis at a higher prevalence and the consequent effect on small ruminant signify the need for the control of stray dog population, deworming of dogs, and avoidance of backyard slaughter and proper disposal of infected viscera to curtail the problem.