Prevalence of hydatid cysts in domestic livestock in the Niger Delta.

The prevalence of infection with hydatid cysts in pigs, cattle, sheep and goats in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria studied over a 10-month period was generally high; 56% in pigs, 42% in goats, 32% in cattle and 24% in sheep. This high prevalence rate is probably related to the socio-economic factors prevalent in the area. The high prevalence and viability of the cysts in pigs and cattle suggests that the strain of Echinococcus present in this area differs from those reported elsewhere.