Author : Zunaira Khalid, Abdul Qayoom, Rida Khalid, Adeeba Liaqat and Humna Fatima

Taenia multiceps is a parasite commonly found in the small intestines of foxes, coyotes, jackals, and dogs worldwide. However, cases of Taenia multiceps-related illness in Mianwali cattle have recently emerged. This study aimed to assess the community’s knowledge, susceptibility factors, and the prevalence of Taenia multiceps metacestode (Coenurus cerebralis) and other Taenia metacestodes, specifically hydatid cysts, in sheep and goats slaughtered in the Mianwali district. For the first time, this study documents the prevalence and incidence of coenurosis caused by Taenia multiceps metacestode (Coenurus cerebralis) in slaughtered sheep and goats in the Mianwali district. Out of the 338 carcasses of sheep, goats, and cows investigated, 2.95% and 4.43% were found to have hydatid cysts and C. cerebralis infections, respectively, with some cases also presenting coexisting diseases. Several factors contribute to the persistence of coenurosis, including the widespread keeping of dogs for herding, a large dog population, close contact between small ruminants (sheep and goats) and dogs, insufficient community knowledge about coenurosis transmission, dogs having free access to carcasses and offal that occasionally contain viable C. cerebralis cysts, and inadequate animal health services for dogs, particularly in terms of worm control. Therefore, understanding the epidemiology of the disease is crucial for effective management and control of coenurosis to protect animal health and prevent its spread. To address these issues, a control strategy or program should be developed. Further research is still needed to enable effective regulation of coenurosis, and the findings of this study can serve as a guide for future research initiatives.

Keywords: Taenia multiceps, Coenurosis, Cestodes, Sheep, Goats