Al-Qadisiyah Journal of Veterinary Medicine Sciences

Investigation of Hydatid Cyst in Animals in Erbil City

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Mohammed Hakeem Khalaf 1
Mustafa D Younus 2
Maad Abdullah Mansur 3

1 Department of Pharmacy Techniques, Kirkuk Technical Medical Institute, Northern Technical University, Iraq

2 Department of Nursing Techniques, Kirkuk Technical Medical Institute, Northern Technical University, Iraq.

3 Department of Community Health, Kirkuk Technical Medical Institute, Northern Technical University, Iraq

https://doi.org/10.29079/qjvms.2025.167027.1150
Abstract
Echinococcus granulosus larvae produce cystic echinococcosis, also known as hydatidosis. It is one of the most important zoonotic parasitic infections in livestock globally. This study aimed to: To determine the prevalence of the infected herbivorous animals with hydatid cyst within Erbil City. A cross-sectional investigation was carried out in Erbil City to ascertain the risk variables linked to the incidence of the illness and to estimate the prevalence of hydatidosis in animals (cows, goats, and sheep). A minimum of two vets examined every animal that was slaughtered. Records from the Erbil City abattoir show that 583 cows (0.9%) and 1505 sheep and goats (1.24%) have hydatid cyst illness during the 10 months (3/1/2023 – 19/10/2023), The majority of affected animals were adults, while some young animals were also infected. Erbil City still has an endemic hydatid cyst. Sheep play a crucial part in the maintenance of the Echinococcus granulosus life cycle because they have a higher prevalence, intensity, and fertility of hydatid cysts than other species.

Keywords

Echinococcus
Hydatidosis
Hydatid Cyst
Protoscolices
Erbil City
Al-Qadisiyah Journal of Veterinary Medicine Sciences
Volume 24, Issue 2
December 2025
Pages 194-200