The purpose of this present study was to investigate the seroprevalence of cystic echinococcosis (CE) in Chinese merino sheep and Duolang sheep in Xinjiang, northwestern China. A total of 1219 serum samples of sheep (including 868 Chinese merino sheep from 6 farms in Ili, Tacheng and Shihezi as well as 351 Duolang sheep from 4 farms in Kashgar) were detected by ELISA assay. The chi-square test was used to analyze the data and the area differences for CE prevalence were compared. Results showed that the overall seropositive percentage for CE was 31.1% in Chinese merino sheep, and sheep from Ili area (of which 48.8% were seropositive) were significantly more likely to be seropositive than either sheep from Shihezi area (6.9%) (P<0.01) or ones from Tacheng area (12.7%) (P<0.01). In addition, seroprevalence for CE in Duolang sheep varied from 3.3% (farm No.45) to 30.7% (farm No.50A), with the average percentage of 21.7%, which was lower than that of Chinese merino sheep (31.1%), and statistically significant difference was observed between the two breeds in seroprevalence of CE (P<0.05). In conclusion, in Xinjiang, CE prevails differently in different areas in Chinese merino sheep and Duolang sheep. And also, serologically, Chinese merino sheep was more susceptible to CE than Duolang sheep. Comprehensive measures are needed to strengthen further prevention and control of the disease in the two breeds in Xinjiang.

Key words: Chinese merino sheep, Cystic echinococcosus, Duolang Sheep, ELISA, Seroprevalence, Xinjiang