Abstract
BACKGROUND: Organ condemnation in slaughterhouses poses significant public health and economic challenges, particularly in regions reliant on livestock. In southern Ethiopia, and specifically in Jinka, there is limited information on the causes and financial repercussions of this issue. OBJECTIVES: This research aims to fill that gap by pinpointing the main pathological causes and calculating the economic losses associated with cattle slaughtered at the Jinka Municipal Abattoir. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 384 cattle at the Jinka Municipal Abattoir to identify the primary reasons for organ condemnation and to estimate the direct financial losses from condemned organs. Ante-mortem examinations were conducted to evaluate clinical signs and body condition, while post-mortem inspections identified lesions leading to organ condemnation. Descriptive statistics were employed to determine prevalence and estimate economic losses based on local organ market prices. A chi-squared test was used to examine the relationship between outcomes and risk factors. RESULTS: Among the 384 cattle assessed, 46.5% exhibited clinical abnormalities during ante-mortem inspection, with depression and nasal discharge being the most prevalent (12.2% each). Most cattle had medium body condition scores (43.8%). Post-mortem inspections revealed that 18.6% had condemned organs, primarily livers (7.8%), lungs (5.0%) and hearts (2.6%). Fasciolosis, bruising and abscesses were the leading causes. Organ condemnation rates did not show a statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) with age, origin and body condition score. The estimated annual financial loss amounted to 56,150 Ethiopian Birr. CONCLUSIONS: Fasciolosis and other preventable conditions are significant contributors to organ condemnation and economic loss at the Jinka Municipal Abattoir. Enhancing animal health practices, conducting regular veterinary checks and ensuring proper disposal of condemned organs are crucial to minimizing losses and preventing the transmission of zoonotic diseases.