Prevalence and management factors associated with gastro-intestinal parasites of pigs among small-scale farmers

The study determined the prevalence of gastro-intestinal parasites in pigs and their association with management practices in Dodoma urban district, Tanzania. Two hundred and sixteen (216) pigs were selected randomly from the district for faecal sample collection. The faecal samples were analysed in the laboratory through faecal flotation and sedimentation methods. A structured questionnaire was administered to the owners of the pigs to gather information about management practices. The groups of parasites identified and their prevalence were Oesophagostomum spp. (46%), Strongyloides ransomi (44%), Ascaris suum (36%), and Trichuris suis (18%). The odds of a pig being infested with Strongyloides ransomi was higher where the pig pen was cleaned once per week compared to where it was cleaned every day or twice per week. On the other hand, the odds of a pig being infested with Oesophagostomum spp. was lower where pigs were fed processed feed compared to leftovers. The study shows that deworming is an important management practice to control gastro-intestinal parasites in pigs, as the odds of a pig being infested by all parasite species was lower where deworming was practiced. Farmers should be educated on the importance of deworming and hygienic conditions in pig production