Prevalence, geospatial distribution, and risk factors for bovine cysticercosis across diverse states of Brazil.

Abstract

This study examined the prevalence and spatial distribution of bovine cysticercosis in Brazil between 2018 and 2020, focusing on its associations with factors such as the human development index (HDI), population density, cattle weight, age, and sex. The analysis included data from approximately 22 million bovine carcasses from 10 of Brazil's 26 states, revealing an overall carcass prevalence of 0.09 %. Although this prevalence is considered low, it varies significantly across different states and microregions. The geospatial study of bovine cysticercosis identified clusters with high prevalence (high-high) and outliers (high-low) in Brazilian microregions. The study revealed significant associations between HDI, population density, and cattle age and the prevalence of cysticercosis; however, the models lacked robustness. In Brazilian microregions, these findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions and intensified surveillance in higher-risk areas, reinforcing regional variations and supporting the development of more effective public policies and health interventions.