[Prevalence rate of ovine hepatic cystic echinococcosis in Quaker Wusu area of Bayinbuluke of Xinjiang, 2014].

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence rate of ovine hepatic cystic echinococcosis (HCE) in sheep in Quaker Wusu area of Bayinbuluke of Xinjiang by ultrasonography and provide evidence for the prevention and control of HCE in sheep. METHODS: The prevalence screening of HCE in sheep was conducted based on ultrasound images in this area in July 2014. The sheep were divided into different groups by dental age to calculate the age specific prevalence rate of HCE and analyzed the correlation between the dental age and the prevalence rate. RESULTS: The total prevalence rate of HCE in sheep in this area was 36.9%. The prevalence rates of none-calcified HCE and calcified HCE were 7.3% and 29.6%, respectively. The prevalence rates of none-calcified HCE in different age groups were 1.2% (1-2 years old), 1.4% (2-3 years old), 14.0% (3-4 years old), 10.0% (4-5 years old), 15.6% (5-6 years old) and 4.2% (>6 years old) respectively. The prevalence rate of calcified HCE in different age groups were 9.9% (1-2 years old), 16.2% (2-3 years old), 31.6% (3-4 years old), 47.8% (4-5 years old), 42.2% (5-6 years old) and 41.7% (>6 years old) respectively. The prevalence rate of HCE in 1-2 years old group was lower than those in other groups, the prevalence rate of HCE in age groups >3 years increased significantly. There was positive correlation between the prevalence rate of HCE and dental age (r = 0.372, R(2) = 0.107, F = 44.176, P = 0.000). CONCLUSION: HCE is highly endemic in Quaker Wusu area. The prevalence rate of HCE is low in sheep with young age and high in sheep aged 3-4 years. It is necessary to conduct early prevention of HCE in sheep in this area.