PREVALENCE OF HELMINTH PARASITES OF SWINE IN FOUR SELECTED COMMUNITIES IN GARKAWA DISTRICT, MIKANG LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

An assessment of helminth parasitic infections of swine in selected communities of Wai, Talim, Killa and Pituop in Garkawa District Mikang LGA, Plateau State, Nigeria was undertaken and aimed to isolate, identify parasite types and to determine its prevalence and management systems. A total of 80 faecal samples were collected in October 2023, from pigs with 20 samples from each of the communities. Samples were immediately sent to the parasitology Department of National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom for laboratory screening using floatation and sedimentation techniques for isolation of helminth parasites. The result showed an overall prevalence of 75.0% in the females and 69.4% in the males. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in helminths infection by sex. Infection by reproductive status shows that the pregnant pigs are more susceptible 80.0% compared to the non-pregnant 72.0%. helminths infestation by management systems, shows that those under intensive system had less infections 66.7% compared to those on semi-intensive 73.2%. Helminths infection differs significantly (P<0.05) according to parasite type. Helminth parasites indentified included Strongyloides, Oesophagustomum spp, Nectator spp, Hyostrongylus spp,Trichuris spp and Eimeria spp. The intensive system combined with use of suitable Anthelmintic and anti coccidial preparation is suggested.