Epidemiological Survey of Gastrointestinal Parasites of Pigs Slaughtered in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State

Abstract

Epidemiological Survey of Gastrointestinal Parasites of Pigs Slaughtered in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State Gastrointestinal parasites are among the most devastating disease-causing organisms of swine.  An epidemiological survey of gastrointestinal parasites of pigs was carried out between the months of October 2015 and January 2016. Aim: The study was aimed at determining the current epidemiological status of GI parasites of pigs in Makurdi metropolis with the goal to determine the prevalence of GI parasites, identify the different types of GI parasites found in pigs and also to highlight the public health significance of these parasites in pigs. Methods: A total number of 318 pigs of different age groups and sexes were sampled using random sampling method.               Faecal samples were collected from the rectum and examined using zinc sulphate floatation technique for isolation of parasitic eggs. Results: Out of 318 pigs examined, 159(50%) were infected. Five types of GI parasites were identified from samples and they include; Ascaris suum (11.32%), Strongyloid ransomi (22.96%), Stephanurus dentatus (13.2%), Oesophagostomum spp (6.92%) and Macracanthorynchus hirudinaceus (0.31%). The study revealed that single infection occurred significantly more frequently than multiple infections (P<0.01). The prevalence was higher in females and young pigs than in males and adults respectively though sex and age were not significant statistically (p˃0.05).  The high prevalence of GI parasites in pigs indicates there is an urgent need for regular veterinary intervention with an effective anthelminthic program in the study area.