Prevalence Of Gastro-Intestinal Parasites Of Pigs (Sus Scrofa Domesticus) In Umuahia, Abia State

ABSTRACT

This present research study was carried out at Lodu pig farm in Ahiaeke Umuahia, Abia State, to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in intensively managed pigs. A total number of two hundred (200) feacal samples were collected and examined under the microscope, using direct smear method. A significant difference was observed at 1% and 5% significant levels. The following number of parasites were observed; Ascaris lumbrico ides in (males, 47 (34.3%) and in females, 77 (56.2%), Ascarops strongylina in (males, 2 (1.5%), in females, 77( 8.0%), Fasciolpsis buski in (males 0 (0.0%), in females,l(0.5%). Some were of mixed infections. Ascaris lumbricoides + Ascarops stron.gylina in (males, I (4.5%) in females 16 (72.7%) Ascaris lumbricoides + Trichuris trichuria in (males 0 (0.0%), females 3 (13.6 %) Ascaris lumbricoides + Bourgelatia didicuta (males 0 (0.0%), females 2 (9.1%). The result of this research has revealed that pig feaces could be an important source to some parasites capable of infecting humans. In a community setting where pigs are reared and pork is consumed, they could be involved in zoonotic helminthaisis and a further investigation should study the possible impact of parasitic infections of pigs on public health in Nigeria.