Reducing zoonotic and internal parasite burdens in pigs using a pig confinement system

Abstract

Aim:This study was designed to validate the effectiveness of the pig confinement system (PCS) in reducing the prevalence of zoonotic and internal parasite burdens in pigs.Materials and Methods:Ten PCS households were selected together with 10 households practising traditional scavenging systems. Five pigs were monitored per household every 3 months for 15 months and blood and feces collected. Pigs received a single dose of oxfendazole at 30 mg/kg at baseline. Qualitative fecal examinations for intestinal parasite stages were performed, and serum was tested for antibodies to cysticercus of Taenia solium, Trichinella spp., and Toxoplasma gondii.Results:Based on fecal examination, the prevalence of pigs positive for parasite eggs was reduced in PCS pigs over consecutive samplings (Ascaris suum [14.3% to 0%], Trichuris suis [46.9% to 8.3%], Strongyle-type eggs [81.6% to 8.3%], Physocephalus spp. [6.1% to 0%], and Metastrongylus apri [20.8% to 0%]) compared with increases in the number of pigs positive for parasite eggs in non-PCS pigs (T. suis [20-61.5%], Strongyle-type [60.4-80.8%], Physocephalus spp. [8.3-15.4%], and M. apri [20.8-34.6%]) and little change in pigs positive for A. suum (18.8-19.2%). While the prevalence of pigs with antibodies against to cysticerci of T. solium reduced in PCS pigs from 18% to 14%, the prevalence in non-PCS pigs increased from 42% to 52%. Antibodies to Trichinella were not detected, but the prevalence of T. gondii antibodies increased from 6% to 10% in PCS pigs and from 7% to 24% in non-PCS pigs.Conclusion:These data demonstrate the potential of a PCS to reduce the prevalence of pigs infected with zoonotic and internal parasites and thus the risk to human and pig health.

Prevalence of Swine Gastrointestinal Parasites in Nyagatare District, Rwanda

“…Other common zoonotic parasites include Taenia solium , Trichinella spiralis , Toxoplasma gondii , and Sarcocystis suihominis [ 11 , 17 ]. A study conducted in southern part of Rwanda found that larvae of Taenia solium ( Cysticercus cellulosae ) caused 23.3% of epileptic cases in people [ 35 ].…”

“…It is more likely that coinfections found in this study would considerably contribute to the reduction of the production and performance of the pigs [ 10 ]. Although pig farmers may not be aware due to subclinical infections, economic losses caused by endoparasites are important [ 17 ].…”

“…For instance, slight infection with Ascaris suum can decrease food intake and daily weight gain in infected animals [ 9 , 16 ]. Different factors can influence the prevalence of swine parasites including the system of management (intensive, semi-intensive, and extensive), on farm hygiene, geographical location, and antiparasitic prophylactic treatment such as deworming [ 5 , 6 , 17 , 18 ]. There are no published research works on gastrointestinal parasitoses of pigs in Rwanda and the information on such infections is scarce.…”

Descriptive and multivariate analysis of the pig sector in Georgia and its implications for disease transmission

“…In addition, it favours the spread of diseases through direct contact while mixing with other herds or wild boar [ 16 , 21 – 23 ], or by scavenging on infected food, carcasses or other fomites [ 24 ]. Moreover, confining pigs has been shown to lead to lower prevalence of diseases like zoonoses and internal parasites [ 25 ]. However, these systems are difficult to change, since they go deep into the traditions and roots of the communities and allow the production of pigs with minimum investments (in terms of feeding, fencing or personnel).…”

Parasit Saluran Pencernaan Sapi Bali yang Dipelihara di Tempat Pembuangan Akhir Suwung Denpasar

“…Faktor management pemeliharaan merupakan faktor yang paling dominan mempengaruhi kejadian infeksi parasit. Dengan kondisi seperti ini penanggulangan penyakit parasit tidak menjadi perhatian peternak sehingga dapat menghambat produktivitas ternak sapi yang disebabkan adanya penyakit parasit seperti cacingan atau infeksi protozoa (Agustina et al, 2016;Agustina et al, 2017).…”