Occurrence of gastrointestinal parasitic diseases of swine in different production phases in commercial pig farms from the State of Santa Catarina, southern Brazil

Abstract

Gastrointestinal parasites are important, since they can cause a decrese in the performance of swine. The occurrence of parasites in pig farms can create economic losses such as reduction in the value of carcasses and increasing expenses with medicines and veterinary assistance. This study aimed at investigating the occurrence of intestinal parasites in different phases of production reared pigs in intensive prodution systems in the western region of the State of Santa Catarina. A total of 403 fecal samples were analyzed, of which 51.86% were positive for one or more parasites in different phases of production. Finishing pigs had the highest prevalence of parasites (60.19%) followed by nursery pigs (55.44%), pigs in breading sows (50.49%), and suckling piglets (40.81%). Strongylida parasites had higher occurrence (28.78%), and were also the most frequent in the finishing, breading sows, and nursery phases. Coccidia were more occurrent in suckling piglets. This study highlights the need of implementing suitable antiparasitic control measures in all phases of swine production associated with a surveillance system for the diagnosis of endoparasite infection in pigs. Our results demonstrate that endoparasites are highly occurring in pigs, even in intensive system animals on technified farms.

Survey of intestinal parasites in swine farms raised in Western Nepal

“…( 2017 ) (49.4%; 131/265), Pradella et al. ( 2020 ) (51.86%; 209/403) and Yadav et al. ( 2021 ) (56.65%; 438/769).…”

Prevalence and diversity of gastrointestinal parasites on pig farms in Kalasin Province, Thailand

“…In the present study, I. suis was detected at a prevalence of 16.05%, which was higher than the 6% reported in prior studies in Greece [ 19 ], but lower than that reported in Sweden (60%) [ 5 ], Central Africa (65.38%) [ 23 ] and Nan province, Thailand (25.7%) [ 26 ]. I. suis is a predominant clinical protozoan parasite in pigs that can lead to transient diarrhea, often caused by secondary pathogens such as bacteria and viruses, resulting in weight loss and increased management costs [ 3 ]. I. suis infections are a major cause of diarrhea in suckling pigs, typically detected at around 8–10 days of age, but older piglets may also be affected [ 5 ].…”

“…The timing of drug administration should be consistent with the protozoan life cycle. The 3 rd day of piglet life is the optimal time for antiprotozoal medication [ 3 ]. Farrowing units are a major source of infection in newborn piglets, which highlights the need for hygienic measures in farrowing pens.…”

“…Swine production plays a crucial role in the local economies of various regions around the world [ 1 – 3 ]. Pig farming has a dual purpose: increasing the availability of animal protein for human consumption and contributing to poverty reduction.…”

“…In the context of protozoa, Coccidia are important for swine because they are associated with stunted growth and may require the removal of affected pigs from their enclosures for treatment with anti-parasitic drugs. Typically, suckling piglets are administered oral drugs, such as toltrazuril-based coccidiostats, as the primary method for controlling coccidiosis [ 3 ].…”