Prevalence, risk factors, zoonotic significance, and infection patterns of gastrointestinal helminths in pigs in Ogbomoso, Nigeria

Abstract

In regions with inadequate control measures and poor biosecurity, helminth infections constitute a significant threat to the swine industry and contribute to the transmission of zoonotic helminths. These infections result in substantial economic losses through reduced weight gain, poor feed efficiency, and condemnation of affected carcass parts at slaughter, among other impacts. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on commercial pig farms in Ogbomoso, Nigeria, to investigate the epidemiology of gastrointestinal helminths in intensively raised pigs. A total of 250 faecal samples were collected using a simple random sampling technique on the selected farms. The samples were examined for helminth eggs using coprological analysis, which included simple floatation and formalin-ethyl acetate concentration techniques. One hundred and twenty-two (48.8%) pigs were positive for one or more helminth species. Prevalence rates were 54.47% in females and 43.31% in males. Adults, growers, and piglets had prevalence rates of 49.38%, 49.68%, and 33.33%, respectively. There were no significant associations between age or sex and prevalence of infection (p > 0.05). Seven helminth species were identified, with Oesophagostomum spp. (20%, 95% CI = 14.45-24.95) being the most prevalent and Trichostrongylus spp. (2.4%, 95% CI = 0.48-4.29), the least prevalent. This study provides the first report of Oesophagostomum and Trichostrongylus spp. in pigs in Ogbomoso. These findings call for strengthened parasite control programs, improved farm hygiene, stricter meat inspection practices in slaughter facilities, and increased public awareness on safe pork handling and consumption.