Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in pigs (Sus domesticus Linnaeus, 1758) of Chandragiri Municipality Kathmandu, Nepal

Abstract

A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine prevalence and associated risk factors of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites of pigs reared in three different locations (Bishnu Devi, Kanchan Basti and Balambu) of Chandragiri Municipality from February, 2017 to June, 2017 using opportunistic random method. A total of 105 pigs were sampled to assess and identify different species of GI parasites of pig. For this study, faecal samples were collected from a total of 105 pigs’ reared in three different locations (Bishnu Devi, Kanchan Basti and Balambu) of Chandragiri Municipality. The collected faecal samples were examined by differentiation floatation technique and sedimentation techniques for isolation of parasitic eggs and/or oocysts. Out of 105 samples tested, an overall prevalence of 88.57% GI parasite was observed. Eight types of parasites were identified in which Eimeria spp. showed the highest prevalence rate (42.8%) and Schistosoma suis to be lowest (4.76%). The study had also revealed that about 15.23 and 73.33% pigs had harbored mixed and single infection, respectively. A Chi-square computed statistical analysis indicated that location (χ2=9.233; p<0.05), and sex (χ2=0.031; p>0.05) were significantly and insignificantly associated with the infection of GI parasites in the study area respectively. There was statistical significance difference of the GI parasites with infection types in relation to locations (χ2= 9.5733; p<0.05). However, there was no statistical significance difference of the GI parasites with infection types in relation to sex (Male and female) (χ2=0.3142; p>0.05). This study revealed that pig GI parasites were the major biological constraints contributing to the low productivity of pig and hampered the economic benefit obtained from the sector. Therefore, further detailed investigations are needed to formulate appropriate and cost-effective strategies for the control of gastrointestinal parasites in pig farms in Chandragiri Municipality.