Worrying rise in hydatid cyst cases among sheep in Tunisia

Tunisia is facing a worrying increase in hydatid cyst cases among sheep, particularly those destined for the upcoming Eid al-Adha sacrifice, according to the National Authority for Food Safety (INSSPA).

Dr. Mohamed Rabhi, president of INSSPA, alerted the public on Tunisian national radio, stating that inspections at various livestock markets revealed a significant rise in ovine contamination. He expressed concern over a potential resurgence of the disease within the national flock, attributing the parasite's spread primarily to stray dogs, which act as a major transmission vector. Rabhi advocated for a national program to combat this issue.

A communiqué from INSSPA on May 31, 2026, detailed that veterinary controls during the Eid period identified 202 pathological cases or sanitary anomalies among sacrificed animals and examined carcasses. Of these, 97 involved parasitic infestations affecting the liver, lungs, or viscera. Veterinary services also recorded 28 cases of hydatid cysts in the liver or lungs, alongside 28 cases of respiratory infections.

The report further listed 24 cases of glandular disease, 7 cases of cysticercosis, 5 cases of jaundice, and isolated incidents including carcass hemorrhage, greenish meat discoloration, and orchitis. The rising prevalence of hydatid cysts highlights a significant public health and food safety concern ahead of the major religious festival.