A Slaughter Slab Survey for Extra-Intestinal Porcine Helminth Infections in Northern Tanzania

Abstract

A survey on extra-intestinal porcine helminths was conducted at three slaughter slabs that receive pigs from Mbulu, a district endemic for porcine cysticercosis in northern Tanzania. Seventy carcases of pigs between 1 and 2 years old were examined between December 1997 and March 1998. The examination involved ante-mortem lingual examination for Taenia solium cysticercosis followed by post-mortem inspection. In addition, a laboratory procedure was performed to determine whether any of these domestic pigs were infected with Trichinella species. Parasites detected were Ascaris suum (44.3%), Echinococcus granulosus (4.3%) and Taenia hydatigena (1.4%). The lack of cases of porcine cysticercosis in this study compared to previous studies suggests that pig traders are conducting their own ante-mortem lingual examinations before purchasing pigs in the rural communities where the parasite is still highly prevalent. It is concluded that improved meat inspection could prove useful in reducing the local population's risk of infection with these parasites. The results of this study have revealed the parasites of agricultral and public health importance in the targeted communities. Further epidemiological investigations are required to better determine parasite prevalence and impact in order to formulate appropriate and cost-effective strategies for control.

Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Major Gastrointestinal Parasites of Pig Slaughtered at Addis Ababa Abattoirs Enterprise, Ethiopia

“…was the most prevalent parasite followed by A. suum. This is in contrast with the findings of past studies where A. suum was reported as the most prevalent parasite in scavenging pigs [36][37][38] and also in semi-intensively managed pigs [16]. The high prevalence of Strongyloides spp.…”

Epidemiological survey of gastrointestinal parasites of pigs in Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria

“…This study also revealed that T. suis was the most prevalent parasite followed by A. suum. This is in contrast with the findings of past studies where A. suum was reported as the most prevalent parasite in scavenging pigs (Kumar et al, 2002;Ngowi et al, 2004;Tamboura et al, 2006) and also in semi-intensively managed pigs (Nsoso et al, 2000). The moderately high prevalence of T. suis (12.2%) could be due to the ability of the eggs to survive for long in the environment (Roepstorff and Murrell, 1997;Pittman et al, 2010).…”

Hydatidosis of slaughtered animals in Ngorongoro district of Arusha region, Tanzania

“…The disease was also reported in domestic and wildlife in Uganda (Ocaido et al 2004). Ngowi et al (2004) reported a prevalence of 4.3% in pigs in northern Tanzania.…”