Prevalence of gastrointestinal helminthes in pigs reared in research farms of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, south eastern Nigeria
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Date
2022-06
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Sultan Qaboos University, Oman
Abstract
Gastrointestinal parasitism in swine production is a world-wide problem especially in tropical resource poor countries. These infections in animals result in significant economic losses. This study aimed to assess the
prevalence and spectrum of gastrointestinal parasites of pigs reared in two research farms in Michael Okpara
University of Agriculture, Umudike, South eastern Nigeria. From April, 2016 to July, 2016, 220 samples of pig faeces
from two research farms (CASAP Research Farm and MOUAU Commercial Pig Farm) were analyzed using floatation
and direct smear methods to identify varied parasitic stages present in the faeces. Data generated showed an overall
prevalence of 64.6% (142/220) in the two farms. Five parasite species made up of four Nematode and one Cestode
were observed namely Ascaris suum (26.4%), Trichuris suis (26.4%), Strongyloides spp (21.9%), Oesophagostomum
dentatum (20.0%) and Pseudanoplocephala spp. (5.6%). Mixed infections were also observed. Those within the ages of
0-8months had the highest prevalence (74.12%). Further, 67.42% male pigs and 62.60% of female pigs were found to
be infected with one or the other endoparasite revealing a high prevalence of parasitic problems within Umudike. It is
recommended that pigs should be treated regularly to prevent or reduce infection to the barest minimal level
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Keywords
Abia State, cestode, faecal samples, nematodes
Citation
gastrointestinal helminthes, pigs, Umudike