The present investigation was conducted (during PM examination of the
slaughtered carcasses) to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of Enzyme-linked
immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in identifying camels infected with hydatid cysts
before slaughtering and to assess the prevalence of hydatidosis in camels
sacrificed in Assuit Governorate. Hydatid cyst count and characterization were
conducted based on routine meat inspection. Slaughterhouse samples of 200
camels were collected through weekly visits. Hydatid cysts in livers, lungs and
kidneys were detected and counted, also the fertility rate of the cysts was
examined. Out of these, 12 (6%) were found to harbor hydatid cyst, in livers
9(75%), lungs 2(17%) and kidney 1(8%).On the other side, fertile cysts 5(41.7%)
were found more frequently in livers 4(33.3%) than in lungs 1(8.3%), while sterile
cysts7(58.3%) found in livers , lungs and kidneys 5(41.7% ), 1(8.1) and 1(8.3%)
respectively. In addition to PM examination, Enzyme-linked immunosorbent
assay test (ELISA) was developed to the same camels for serological detection of
hydatid cyst infection but in alive state. 16(8%) of the 200 camels were found
harbouring hydatid cysts were serologically positive when screened for
hydatidosis by ELISA test. Four animals (2%) out of the 188 non-infected camels
gave serologically positive result. It is suggested that the ELISA as a serological
assay, is a valuable method with high diagnostic efficiency for serodiagnosis of
hydatid disease. The public health importance of hydatidosis as well as some
recommended measures for controlling of the disease were discussed