Addy F, Adu-Bonsu G, Akurigo CA, Abukari I, Suleman H, Quaye L. Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Pigs: A Preliminary Study in Tolon and Kumbungu Districts, Ghana.
J Parasitol Res 2023;
2023:1308329. [PMID:
38058409 PMCID:
PMC10696473 DOI:
10.1155/2023/1308329]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Pigs are important livestock that contribute to the economy and food security of Ghana, but the productivity of the sector is hindered by factors such as parasitic disease infections. Here, we detected the prevalence and polyparasitism of gastrointestinal parasites in pigs from selected farms in the Tolon and Kumbungu districts. Faeces of the animals were screened for parasite eggs using the sedimentation and flotation methods. From 56 pigs screened, 91.1% (CI = 95%; χ2 = 0.212) of them had parasitic infections, and affected pigs harboured 1-5 distinct parasites with the most occurring being Strongyloides ransomi (46.43%). Other parasites identified included Hyostrongylusrubidus, Ascaris suum, Trichuris suis, Physocephalus sexalatus, and Coccidia, among others. Parasitism was more frequent in pigs under 2 years (94%) than older ones (66.67%). The high prevalence of GI parasites was attributed to poor husbandry practices and inadequate of veterinary care for the animals. The situation can be improved by farmer education on good husbandry practices and regular deworming of pigs.
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