Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Helminth in Selected Piggery Farms in Obio/akpor and Oyibo Local Government Area in Rivers State

Abstract
Helminth infections in Pigs are indeed a significant issue in pig farming. This study was designed to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths in three selected piggery farms with respect to sex, hygiene practice and location precisely in Obio/Akpor and Oyigbo local government area, Rivers state. A total of 200 pigs were sampled from the three piggery farm; Obunku Piggery Farm, Afam, in oyigbo, Rumokoro Market Piggery Farm and Agricultural Farm in University of Port Harcourt. Faecal samples were collected from pigs and analysed using the floatation method. The parasites were identified based on the morphology of their eggs such as the shape, size, and colour using the microscope. A total prevalence of 29.5% was recorded; with Ascaris suum 42.30%, Strongyloides ransomi 25.40%, Globoaphalus urosubulatus 10.10%, Entamoeba coli 16.90%, Trichuris suis 1.69%, Oesophagostomum dentatum 1.69%, Metastrongylus apri 1.69%. There was higher prevalence in males (37.8%) than in females (22.1%). Rumokoro piggery farm had a higher prevalence 39% than Agricultural farm in University of Port Harcourt with a prevalence rate of 28.3%, Obunku piggery farm has the least prevalence of 21.7% with (P- value of 0.0021). This Study confirms moderate prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth infection in pigs breed in Rivers states Nigeria. It is therefore advised that farmers strengthen their biosecurity and follow a regular pig deworming regimen.