A total of 88771 sheep and goats slaughtered at Gassim abattoir during a period of 18 months (May 1995-November 1996) were examined for the detection and predilection seats of hydatid cysts. The infestation rate of sheep was 2.5 % (local breeds 2.41%, foreign breeds 2.58%), while the hydatid cysts were detected in 5% of the examined goats (local breeds 3.65%, foreign breeds 6.72 %). Distribution of the detected cysts in different organs was: liver 58.89%, lungs 8.29%, heart 0.96%, quarters 10.05% and other sites 21.78%. The public health significance and preventive measures were discussed.