Prevalence and Associated Factors Affecting Gastrointestinal Helminths in Intensively Managed Pigs in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Summary Background: Gastrointestinal (GI) helminths infection is a major limiting factor of pig production, which poses a public health challenge and increases cost of production. There are also problems in the diagnosis and effective health management of pigs in Nigeria. Method: A cross sectional study of 10 different pig farms was carried out in Ibadan to determine the prevalence of GI helminths infection and the associated factors. The breed, age, sex and body condition score of each screened pig were documented. Faecal sample was collected directly from the rectum and processed with MiniFLOTAC method, using zinc sulphate floatation solution. Result: Two hundred and seventy-five (275) pigs were screened and 73 (26.5%) were positive for GI helminths, namely: Strongyles spp, Strongyloides ransomi, Ascaris suum and Trichuris suis. Statistical significance taking p-value to be 0.05) related to breed, sex and body condition score. Conclusion: The prevalence of GI helminths in pigs obtained in this study provides an updated information on the status of GI helminths in pigs raised in Ibadan. It is therefore necessary that concerted and focused effort on the part of the farmers and the government be made to completely stamp out GI helminths disease completely in pigs.