NWARIBE CHIOMA BLESSING

Cryptosporidium is a zoonotic protozoan parasite of significant public health concern. Cattle serve as major reservoirs, and abattoir contamination represents a potential route of human infection. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of ryptosporidium infection in cattle at Ikpoba Hill abattoir Benin city. A cross-sectional survey was conducted, and 180 fecal samples were collected post-slaughter. Samples were processed using the formol-ether concentration method and examined for Cryptosporidium oocysts with the modified Ziehl- Neelsen staining technique. The overall prevalence was 6.7% 12/180), with younger cattle showing higher infection rates than adults. The detection of Cryptosporidium in slaughtered cattle highlights a potential zoonotic risk, underscoring the need for improved sanitary practices within the abattoir and targeted health education for workers to reduce public health hazards.