Prevalence, risk factors and parasitic diseases co-infection of pigs in Osun State, south-west Nigeria, 2006-2015

Abstract

Parasitic diseases are the most devastating diseases of pigs in the tropics after African swine fever. It causes a significant economic setback to the swine industry in Africa and Nigeria. The objective of the study was to assess the prevalence, associated risk factors and parasitic diseases co-infections of pigs over a ten year (2006 - 2015) period. A retrospective study on parasitic diseases of pigs was conducted in Osun state, Nigeria. Records from the four major veterinary clinics in the state were used for the study. Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 22 was used to analyse the Chi square (χ²) test and its odd ratios, while graphs were drawn using Microsoft Excel, 2010. Mange, helminthoses, lice infestation, tick infestation, eperythrozoonosis and babesiosis were the parasitic diseases diagnosed in pigs during the period under review. Mange (296/875; 33.83 %) was the most prevalent and babesiosis (4/875; 0.46 %) the least prevalent parasitic disease. There was no defined pattern in the yearly and monthly prevalence of parasitic diseases. Season of the year was the risk factor significantly associated (p<0.05) with the prevalence of mange and helminthoses. There was a strong correlation in the co-infection of tick infestation with babesiosis; and lice infestation with eperythrozoonosis. This study showed that parasitism is a major disease condition affecting pigs in Osun state and so there is a great need for increased input in terms of sanitary practices, prevention and control measures against these diseases so as to improve productivity in the swine industry of the state and country.

Keywords: helminthoses, mange, Nigeria, Osun state, parasitic diseases, pigs