Extensity and intensity of intestinal parasite infections in pigs in different types of farm organization

Abstract

The aim of the study was to compare the intestinal parasite fauna of pigs kept in different production systems. Eggs of four nematode species: Ascaris suum, Oesophagostomum spp. Strongyloides spp. and Trichuris suis as well as Eimeria protozoans were found in fecal samples of the examined pigs. In the farms performing an open production cycle, the percentage of infestation was lower (1.07 to 1.36%) than in the farms with a closed production cycle (13.30 to 20%). Differences were found in the scope of infection intensity with particular intestinal parasites depending on the farming system. The Oesphagostomum spp. was found in the largest number of farms (68.6%). Eimeria was located at the second place (42.9%), followed by Ascaris suum (28.6%), Trichuris suis (21.4%) and Strongyloides spp. (11.4%). Interviews with pig breeders showed that in closed-cycle farms, the deworming procedure was being performed sporadically or only after clear clinical symptoms of a parasitic invasion. Our research has confirmed that the problem of intestinal parasites in pigs is still relevant. In pigs, a preventive program should be introduced, in which a parasitological diagnostics will be an important part.

Prevalence of Swine Gastrointestinal Parasites in Two Free-Range Farms from Nord-West Region of Romania

“…The zoonotic protozoan B. coli was the most frequent parasite in all categories, with the highest prevalence (72.5%) in fattening pigs, while in weaners and sows the values were somewhat lower (70.31% and 62.19%, respectively. Similar infection rates were diagnosed in Kenya (69.6% in sows, 69.2% in fatteners and 66.7% in sows) and Greece (13.5% in weaners, 54.3% in fatteners, 81.3% in sows) [10][11][12][13]15]. In other countries, the prevalences were lower, e.g., China (18.2% in sows, 38.8% in sows, 5.7% in sows), Malaysia (22%), India (6.6-48%), Bangladesh (28.6% in weaners, 52.4% in fatteners, 38.5% in sows) and Germany (0.7% in weaners) [16,[19][20][21][22][23].…”

“…Most of the time, the course of such parasitic infections is subclinical, but symptomatic infections may occur, particularly in younger pigs [12]. The most frequent mistakes made by pig owners for parasitic infection control include the lack of fecal sample testing of animals in order to reveal particular parasite problems on the farm, the improper administration of anti-parasitic drugs, and ineffective disinfection of the premises [13].…”

Evaluation of the Level of Parasites Infection in Pigs as an Element of Sustainable Pig Production

“…During gestation, the largest number of sows were infected with coccidia (85.7%), and the lowest, with Ascaris suum (21.4%) (Figure 1). tation (108, 110 and 112 days) and lactation (1,2,7,12,17,22, 27 and 32 days) indicated the infection prevalence of the sows at 100%. The number of identified eggs in a single sample ranged from 1 to 630, with an average EPG number of 2174.…”

“…According to Balicka-Ramisz et al [22], Oesophagostomum spp. was most prevalent in the farms-68.6%, followed by Eimeria protozoa-42.9%, and Ascaris suum-28.6%.…”

“…The total number of coproscopic samples was 840 coming from three production groups, mainly sows in late gestation, sows in lactation and suckling piglets. In each production group faeces samples were collected in order: 42 samples from: sows in late gestation (108, 110 and 112 days of gestation); 112 samples from lactating sows (1,2,7,12,17,22,27,32 days of lactation) and 686 samples from piglets (5,6,7,10,15,20,25,35 days of life). Sows were sampled individually while piglets were sampled collectively.…”