Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites and Cryptosporidium species in extensively managed pigs in Mekelle and urban areas of southern zone of Tigray region, Northern Ethiopia

Abstract

Aim: The objective of this study was to investigate prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites and Cryptosporidium species in extensively managed pigs in Mekelle and urban areas of southern zone of Tigray Region, Ethiopia during June -September, 2012. Material and methods:Seven hundred fourteen pigs of different ages and sexes were selected for fecal sample collection. Fecal samples were collected from the rectum of pigs with strict sanitation. A total of 25 soil samples were also collected from backyards of pig pens using clean zipped plastic bags. Both fecal and soil samples were examined for eggs and cysts of GIT parasites by flotation and sedimentation techniques. Modified Ziehl -Neelsen technique was used to examine oocysts of Cryptosporidium species from 276 randomly selected fecal samples.Results: Out of 714 pigs examined through flotation and sedimentation, 27.3% were infected by at least one gastrointestinal parasite. Ascaris suum (25.9%) was the most prevalent parasite followed by Fasciola hepatica (1.8%), Eimeria spp. (1.7%) 2 and Trichuris suis (0.3%). There was no significant association between sex and prevalence of parasites χ [df 1] = 1.921; 2 P=0.166). Contrary to this, age of pigs had effect on prevalence of parasites χ [df 2] = 8.376; P=0.015). About 7% of pigs examined were positive for oocysts of Cryptosporidium spp. Moreover, 72% of the soil samples found to be contaminated with eggs of Ascaris spp. in the study area. Apart from causing morbidity in the infected pigs, the potential of Ascaris of pigs to infect man and vice versa together with poor environmental hygiene, may complicate the epidemiology and control of Ascariasis in the study areas. Extensively managed pigs may also act as potential reservoirs for zoonoses of Cryptosporidium species. Conclusion:It is concluded that further investigations are crucial on molecular characterization of Ascaris and Cryptosporidium isolates of extensively managed pigs to determine the parasites upto species level so as to suggest proper control strategies.

Challenges, Opportunities and Management Practice of Pig Production in Debre Markos Town, East Gojjam Zone in Amahra Regional State, Ethiopia

“…According to Abdu and Gashaw 24% of the farms visited in central Ethiopia were under mixed farming system [15]. On the other hand, Tomass et al pointed out that the integration of pigs into the traditional mixed farming system might contribute to disease transmission taking the role of pigs as reservoirs of diseases [16]. In this study it was found that pig husbandry was 99% based on low input system farming system.…”

“…Production parameters the same study area mean herd size of 20.8+2.89 has been reported and an average herd size of 29 swine has been reported elsewhere in Ethiopia [15,16]. The declining herd size as indicated by lower herd size might be associated with the demonization of pig producers due to lack of market incentives.…”

“…Difference like we get three types of production system (extensive 28.6%; so intensive 42.8% and intensive 28.6%) even if there is no batch management with same feeding system. And also work as additional work [16].…”

“…In this study it was found that pig husbandry was 99% based on low input system farming system. On the other hand, Tomass et al pointed out that the integration of pigs into the traditional mixed farming system might system contribute to disease transmission taking the role of pigs as reservoirs of diseases [16].…”

“…Hence, no public intervention has been promoted on pig production in Ethiopia [3]. On the other hand, extensive husbandry system coupled with poor environmental hygiene and voracious feeding behavior of pig has been indicated as a major risk factor for infection of pigs with helminths and gastrointestinal parasites where pigs may act as potential reservoir hosts of human gastrointestinal parasites such as ascariasis [16]. The domestic pig is an animal which has been very much neglected by the scientific community in Ethiopia [4].…”