Endoparasitic Infection of Pigs Slaughtered for Public Consumption at Two Major Abattoirs in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

Endoparasites in pigs cause health and production issues. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of endoparasitic infection in pigs slaughtered for public consumption in Calabar, Nigeria, in relation to their veterinary manifestations and body weight. Fresh and about-to-be-voided faecal samples were collected from the rectum of randomly selected 100 pigs, as they were being butchered. Visceral samples were collected hygienically from the same pigs and examined for endoparasites. The overall prevalence of endoparasitic infections was 52.0%. The prevalence was significantly higher among the sows (62.0%) than the boars (42.0%) (χ² = 4.68; p < 0.05) and highest among the oldest age group (≥10 years), with differences among the various age groups being statistically significant (x²= 5.22; p < 0.05). The overall arithmetic mean intensity was 9.5 and was comparable between sexes. Nine endoparasitic species were identified: Ascaris suum, Hystrongylus rubidus, Strongyloides spp., Trichuris suis, Blantidium coli, Oesophagotomum, Fasciola spp., Metastrongylus, and Echinococcus spp. A. suum had the highest prevalence (24.0%), followed by T. suis (10.0%), but the lowest prevalence (2.0%) was by B. coli and H. rubidus, respectively. The overall prevalence of veterinary manifestations was 38.0%. Six veterinary manifestations were observed, but the most common was laboured breathing (12.0%), while the least common was dullness (1.0%). The prevalence of  veterinary manifestations  was significantly higher in sows than in boars (x² = 3.94; p < 0.05); it was highest in the least body weight category and in the ≤ 5 months age group, but lowest in the 6 – 7 months age group. Differences in the prevalence of veterinary manifestations were not statistically significant (x = 0.981; p > 0.05). In conclusion, endoparasitic infections may be important risk factors for low body weight in pigs. Deworming and biosecurity services should be strengthened, and environmental hygiene and extensive management should be adopted to mitigate the transmission of pig endoparasites.