Prevalence, spatial distribution, and economic impact of bovine cysticercosis in slaughtered animals under federal inspection in Minas Gerais, Brazil (2021-2022).

This study evaluated prevalence, productive losses, and spatial distribution of cases in cattle slaughtered under the Federal Inspection Service (SIF) in Minas Gerais (2021-2022). A total of 297,802 animals were inspected; cysticercosis was detected in 0.44% (531/120,011) of cattle in 2021 and 0.24% (419/177,791) in 2022. Detection led to immediate condemnation of viscera, reducing carcass value by about 10%, and to conditional utilization of 37.1% (352/950) of carcasses by chilling and 15.8% (150/950) by heat treatment, with value reductions of 30% and 70%, respectively. Cysticerci were mainly located in the heart (45.2%), liver (40.1%), and head (21.2%), with rare occurrences in the tongue, diaphragm, and lungs. Estimated losses over two years exceeded R$ 900,000, likely underestimated given that SIF slaughter often supplies export markets. Spatial distribution analysis showed a higher concentration of positive animals originating from the municipalities of Nanuque, Governador Valadares, and Carlos Chagas. Despite the relatively low prevalence, the spatial concentration of cases and the observed distribution pattern suggest the influence of regional environmental factors in maintaining bovine cysticercosis transmission.