Prevalence and risk factors of endo- and ectoparasitic infections in smallholder pigs in Angónia district, Mozambique

Haematopinus suis Infestation in Pig Farms in Busogo Sector, Rwanda

Haematopinus suis(H. suis) is a common ectoparasite of pigs and is economically important worldwide. H. suis is responsible for anemia and poor feed conversion rate that lead to poor growth in pig husbandry. This study assessed the prevalence and risk factors of H. suis in pigs through a cross-sectional survey in Busogo sector of Musanze district. Fifty-five (55) pigs, representing 10% of 555 pigs from 20 farms, were examined physically for the presence of H. suis, and a total number of 559 H. suis were collected from them in Busogo sector of Musanze district. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Results showed that out of 55 pigs, a total number of 35 pigs (63.6%), were found infested with H. suis in Busogo sector of Musanze district. The infestation by H. suis was associated with the farming system, animal breeds, animal's category, sex, pig hygiene, and piggery hygiene. Results showed a high (P < 0.05) prevalence in pigs reared in the intensive system (91.4%), whereas large whites were the most affected breed (60%). The prevalence of H. suis varied significantly (P < 0.05) among sexes, and females were the most affected (60%). Results related to pig hygiene revealed that all farmers were practicing washing skin three times per week, whereas only 60.0% of them were removing the bedding in their piggery. The study concluded that H. suis is present and remains a problem in the study area. Therefore, the study recommends to create farmer's awareness on the disease in pigs and its impact through training. Researchers should continue further studies on H. suis prevention with appropriate pig husbandry and management practices and the efficacy of acaricides used.

Epidemiology of Porcine Cysticercosis in Eastern and Southern Africa: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Taenia solium cysticercosis is the most common cause of acquired epilepsy in pig-raising and pork-consuming parts of Africa, Latin America, and Asia. This review aimed to systematically compile and synthesize data on the epidemiology of porcine cysticercosis in the Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) region. Comprehensive searching strategies were employed to retrieve the studies published or reported between January 1,1997 and March 1, 2021, from Pub Med, Hinari, and Google Scholar databases and search platforms. The identified studies that met the inclusion criteria were then appraised for methodological quality. Finally, 44 studies obtained from nine countries were selected and included in this review. Relevant data were extracted using standardized templates for qualitative synthesis and meta-analysis. The overall pooled prevalence estimate of porcine cysticercosis in the ESA region was 17% (95% CI: 14-20%). The prevalence level between and within countries showed high variability. The pooled estimate showed high heterogeneity among the reports (the inverse variance index value (I2) of 98.99%, p < 0.05). The meta-analysis sub-grouped by the type of diagnostic test showed the pooled prevalence estimate of 27% (95% CI: 9-50) by carcass dissection; 23% (95% CI: 14-33) by Antibody-based immunodiagnostic techniques; 23% (95% CI: 18-29) by antigen detecting (Ag)-ELISA, 12% (95% CI: 7-18) by meat inspection, and 9% (95% CI: 7-11) by lingual examination. The meta-analysis sub-grouped by region showed a relatively higher pooled prevalence estimate for the Southern region 22% (95% CI: 15-30) compared to 13% (95% CI: 11-15) in the Eastern region. The highest country-based pooled prevalence was obtained from South Africa (33%, 95% CI: 20-48) and Zambia (22%, 95% CI: 16-29), whereas the lowest pooled prevalence was identified in Madagascar (5%, 95% CI: 4-5) and Rwanda (7%, 95% CI: 6-8). The lack of latrine, traditional pig husbandry practices, unprotected water sources, and increase in age were identified as significant risk factors for the occurrence of porcine cysticercosis in the pooled studies. The findings of this review will provide context-specific input to prioritize the possible intervention programs for T. solium control in the ESA region. More sensitive and specific test-based prevalence estimates, detailed risk factor investigations, and financial losses analysis are needed to establish feasible control strategies.

Systematic Review Registration

http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier: CRD42021238931.

Copro-prevalence and Risk Factor Assessment of Gastrointestinal Parasitism in Indian Domestic Pigs

The aim of the present study was to determine copro-prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites and their associated potential risk factors in pigs of Punjab (India). A total of 839 faecal samples were collected from pigs of all age group and sex from different agro-climatic zones of Punjab covering all seasons and subjected to qualitative and quantitative examination. Among the samples examined, 28.4 % were positive for gastrointestinal parasites and their respective prevalences were Ascaris suum (11.1 %), coccidia (9.41 %), Trichuris suis (6.43 %), Balantidium coli (4.5 %), amphistome (3.33 %), strongyle (2.14 %) and Ascarops strongylina (1.78 %). Upon sporulation of coccidian positive samples, 8 species of Eimeria were recorded (Eimeria polita, E. spinosa, E. scabra, E. perminuta, E. suis, E. debliecki, E. neodebliecki and E. porci). Among the various risk factors analysed, season, agro-climatic zones and managemental practices had a signifi cant (p<0.05) effect on gastrointestinal parasitism of pigs. Quantification of the infection levels in various seasons and age groups revealed the highest mean egg per gram in rainy season (1966. 6± 1146.5) and grower pigs (1457.1 ± 500.4). Coproculture analysis revealed the presence of larvae of Hyostrongylus rubidus and Oesophagostomum species. The results of the current study would be of immense help in formulation and implementation of control strategies for effective control of gastrointestinal parasitism in pigs.

Prevalence and risk factors associated with swine gastrointestinal nematodes and coccidia in the semi-arid region of northeastern Brazil

In northeastern Brazil, with has a predominantly dry climate, farmers seek alternative sources of income and livelihood by the rearing pigs. The gastrointestinal parasites that affect these animals represent an obstacle in the production and can cause significant economic loss. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with gastrointestinal nematodes and Coccidia in swine herds in the Sousa microregion, Paraíba state, northeastern Brazil. This was a cross-sectional study, and the sampling was designed to determine the prevalence of endoparasite-positive farms and pigs. We randomly selected 51 farms and 187 pigs. Fecal samples were collected from each animal, and eggs per gram and oocysts per gram feces were recorded. The data collected in the epidemiological questionnaires were used to determine the possible risk factors associated with endoparasite-positive animal status. The prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodes and Coccidia in the pigs was 79.5% (149/187). Coccidia were the most prevalent parasite found, with 56.6% (106/187) of the pigs testing positive, followed by nematodes 22.9% (43/187). Strongylidae was the most common nematodes found (67.5%, 29/43), followed by Trichuris sp. (30.2%, 13/43) and Ascaris sp. (2.3%, 1/43). In 29 coprocultures, Strongylidae was identified: Oesophagostomum (82.2%, 25/29), Strongyloides (62.0%, 18/29), and Hyostrongylus (27.5%, 8/29). Mixed nematode and coccidial infection were observed in 72.4% (21/29) of the samples. Relevant risk factors were related to the type of management adopted by family farmers. Changes in management measures could improve the health profile of farms.