Prevalence of strongylids of pigs in Ogun State, southwest Nigeria

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of strongyles infecting pigs in Ogun State , Southwestern Nigeria. Faecal samples were collected from 209 pigs which were initially screened by centrifugal sedimentation technique. Faeces positive nematode eggs were then cultured using a modified Baermann's technique. Out of the 36.8% (77/209) infected pigs, 84.4%, 58.4%, 57.1%, 19.5% and 6.5% were for Hyostrongylus rubidus, Trichostrongylus colubriformis, Oesophagostomum spp., Strongyloides ransomi and Dictyocaulus viviparus respectively. Mixed infection with various nematode species accounted for 94.8% of the prevalence. The infection rate in piglets (43.7%) was higher than in weaners and adults without any significant differences. Similarly no significant differences were observed between diarrhoeic and non-diarrhoeic pigs. The results of this study thus showed the economic importance of strongylid nematode infections in intensively reared pigs in Ogun state. Regular screening to ascertain worm load and species involved will facilitate appropriate control and prevention strategies.