Abstract: [Objective] To investigate the prevalence of echinococcosis in sheep in Yuxi City, Yunnan Province, to provide a scientific basis for its prevention and control in the region. [Methods] A total of 304 serum samples from non-immunized sheep were collected from six districts, cities, counties, or ethnic autonomous counties in Yuxi City, including Jiangchuan District, Chengjiang City, Huaning County, Yimen County, Eshan Yi Autonomous County, and Yuanjiang Hani, Yi and Dai Autonomous County. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was employed to detect serum antibodies against Echinococcus spp., and statistical differences in antibody positivity rates were analyzed across various factors, including sampling locations, farming scales, age groups, rearing modes, breeds, and sexes. [Results] Of the 304 sheep serum samples, 14 tested positive, yielding an overall antibody positivity rate of 4.61%. Jiangchuan District exhibited the highest positivity rate （7.50%）, while Chengjiang City showed the lowest （0）, with no significant differences in positivity rates among the districts, cities, counties, and autonomous counties （P>0.05）. The positivity rate in free-range sheep （7.14%） was higher than that in large-scale farm sheep （2.00%）, with significant differences （P<0.05）. Sheep aged ≥3 years had the highest positivity rate （8.57%）, while those aged ≤1 year had the lowest （0.95%）, with significant differences across age groups （P<0.05）. Small-scale grazing sheep showed the highest positivity rate （8.06%）, while barn-fed sheep had the lowest （1.20%）, with significant differences among rearing modes （P<0.05）. Sheep exhibited a higher positivity rate (9.41%) than local goats （2.74%）, with a significant difference between breeds （P<0.05）. The positivity rate in male sheep （6.00%） was slightly higher than in female sheep （4.33%）, though the difference was not significant （P>0.05）. [Conclusion] With the exception of Chengjiang City, where no positive samples were detected, echinococcosis infection was confirmed in sheep across the remaining five districts, cities, counties, or autonomous counties of Yuxi City surveyed （Jiangchuan District, Huaning County, Yimen County, Eshan Yi Autonomous County, and Yuanjiang Hani, Yi and Dai Autonomous County）. Higher infection rates were observed in free-range sheep, older sheep （≥3 years）, small-scale grazing sheep, and wool sheep. Comprehensive prevention and control measures should be implemented in this region to effectively reduce the incidence of sheep echinococcosis.

Key words: Yuxi City, sheep, echinococcosis, ELISA detection, positivity rate, serum antibodies