Seroprevalence of Echinococcus granulosus and Epidemiological Association with FMD-like Clinical Manifestations in Nigerian Livestock

Abstract Cystic echinococcosis (CE), caused by Echinococcus granulosus , remains an important neglected zoonotic disease in many endemic regions, including sub-Saharan Africa. Although CE is generally considered asymptomatic in livestock, overlapping ecological conditions and non-specific clinical manifestations may complicate field diagnosis in areas where other endemic livestock diseases are prevalent. This study investigated the seroprevalence of E. granulosus and its epidemiological association with foot-and-mouth disease (FMD)-like clinical manifestations among livestock in Nigeria. A multi-state cross-sectional study was conducted across eight states in Nigeria. A total of 346 livestock animals comprising cattle, sheep, and goats were sampled from farms, livestock markets, and abattoirs. Serum samples were screened for E. granulosus exposure using indirect IgG ELISA. Clinical data were collected through standardized veterinary examination. Descriptive statistics, chi-square analysis, independent t-tests, correlation analysis, and multivariable logistic regression were performed to identify factors associated with seropositivity. The overall seroprevalence of E. granulosus was 49.42% (171/346; 95% CI: 44.19–54.67), with significant geographical variation across states (p < 0.001). Seroprevalence was highest in cattle (78.77%) compared with goats (19.35%) and sheep (16.22%). Poor body condition, increasing age, pyrexia, and geographic location were independently associated with seropositivity. Animals exhibiting drooling salivation, oral ulceration, lameness, and limb lesions showed significantly higher seroprevalence compared with clinically unaffected animals (p < 0.001). However, approximately 46% of seropositive animals lacked observable clinical signs, suggesting substantial subclinical exposure. This study demonstrates a high level of E. granulosus exposure among livestock in Nigeria and identifies significant epidemiological associations between seropositivity and FMD-like clinical manifestations. Although causality cannot be inferred and FMD was not laboratory-confirmed, the findings highlight potential diagnostic overlap and shared epidemiological risk factors in endemic livestock systems. These results underscore the importance of integrated One Health surveillance approaches and improved differential diagnostic capacity for livestock diseases in resource-limited settings.