Recurrent bovine cysticercosis in Piedmont: integrated investigation in an outbreak in the Cuneo area

Purpose: Bovine cysticercosis, caused by the larval form of Taenia saginata (Cysticercus bovis), is an emerging problem in Piedmont, with a particular incidence in the province of Cuneo. Although it has a limited impact on public health, infestation causes significant economic losses for livestock farms. This study aims to describe the epidemiological trend of the parasitic disease in the ASL CN1 area over the last 5 years and to investigate its presence, using an integrated approach, in a farm subject to recurrent cases. Methods: ASL CN1 data from the regional slaughter register (INFOMACELLI) and the Veterinary Information Systems portal (VETINFO) for the period January 2020 - December 2024 were collected and analysed. Following a report by the competent authorities, from February 2025 to May 2025, samples of cardiac lesions compatible with cysticerci were collected and examined from 78 slaughtered cattle, all from the same farm. The hearts were dissected every 0.5–1 cm to account for the lesions, which were classified as viable or degenerated. Among the degenerated lesions, those with a macroscopically solid appearance were further classified as calcified. At least one lesion was isolated from each heart and subjected to DNA extraction for molecular analysis. At the same time, serological monitoring was carried out on 45 animals from the farm using Ag-ELISA tests in three phases: on arrival (T0), after three months (T1) and at the time of slaughter (T2). All farm workers underwent faecal examination by copro-PCR for T. saginata. Environmental samples (water, unifeed, corn silage, bedding) were also collected for T. saginata DNA testing. Results: In the province of Cuneo, the following were observed: 109 cases out of 540,862 cattle slaughtered (2020); 196/554,541 (2021); 198/262,979 (2022); 100/259,977 (2023); 87 cases recorded in 2024 (partial data). Of the 78 subjects examined, 55 had only degenerative lesions, 12 had only calcified lesions, 1 had only fresh lesions, 5 had fresh and degenerative lesions, and 5 had degenerative and calcified lesions. Molecular investigations are currently underway. Copro-PCR detected an active infection with T. saginata in a farm worker, who was treated with niclosamide and tested negative in subsequent checks. Serological monitoring of cattle showed 5 positive results at T0, rising to 14 at T1; analysis of the T2 results is still ongoing. Molecular analysis of environmental matrices was negative in all samples collected. Conclusions: The investigation confirms the active and persistent presence of C. bovis in the herd examined, documented both by the coexistence of viable cysts with degenerated and calcified cysts in cattle and by the increase in antigenic seropositivity detected over time (from 5 to 14 animals) in the control group, suggesting active circulation of the parasite. The copro-PCR positivity in a farm worker, who was successfully treated, confirms his role in transmission. Although molecular environmental analyses were negative, undetected or intermittent environmental contamination cannot be ruled out. The preliminary results support the hypothesis of a source of contamination within the farm and the importance of an integrated approach from a One Health perspective (human-animal-environment).