The spatial distribution of cystic echinococcosis in Italian ruminant farms from routine surveillance data

Introduction Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonotic parasite caused by the cestode Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.) which predominantly affects livestock. The disease endemic in central-southern and insular Italy, with CE particularly infecting sheep, goats, cattle, water buffalo. spatial distribution of regions not widely understood, surveillance efforts varying across region. Methods In this study, we investigated livestock using samples from farms different species Stochastic Partial Differential Equations (SPDE) model. Samples were collected during survey conducted area Italy between years 2019 – 2021. Results A total 3141 animal (126 601 sheep 2414 cattle buffalo) inspected for s.l. cysts through routine abattoirs postmortem visual examination, palpation incision target organs. geographic location farm origin (a 2,878) each sample was recorded. prevalence 46.0% (1,323/2,878) estimated at level 78.3% (462/590) 28.6% (36/126) 36.5% (747/2,049) 23.5% (102/434) buffalo infected. Discussion model evaluated probability infection sampled regions, showing high clustering infected Sardinia Sicily Salerno province (Campania region). output study can be used to identify hot-spots improve control programs areas Italy.