Abstract
Echinococcosis, particularly cystic echinococcosis caused by Echinococcus granulosus, is a significant zoonotic disease affecting sheep in Kazakhstan, with infection rates ranging from 30% to 50% in certain regions. This study investigates the seasonal prevalence, organ distribution of hydatid cysts, and the impact of echinococcosis on the nutritional value of mutton. A total of 269 slaughtered sheep were examined from January to December 2024 in West Kazakhstan. The highest infection rate was observed in winter (26.32%), while the lowest was in summer (11.27%). The liver was the most commonly affected organ (64.8%), followed by the liver and lungs (31.5%). Nutritional analysis revealed significant reductions in protein, fat, vitamin, and mineral content in the meat of infected sheep compared to healthy animals.