Haemoprotozoa and ectoparasites found in pigs at Enugu, Nigeria
Keyword : Piggery, haemoparasites, ectoparasites, poor production, zoonoses
Author(s) : Ejinaka, O.R. And Onyali, I.O.
Abstract : Pig (Sus scrofa domesticus) is reared in Nigeria for meat while its skin provides raw materials for leather and brush production. However, pigs are at risk of blood protozoa infections and ectoparasitic infestations which may combine to cause deliterous effects on their health leading to poor production and risk of zoonotic infections. A cross-sectional study of haemoparasites and ectoparasites of pigs was carried out (January and March 2016) in four piggeries located at Abakpa, Awkunanaw, Emene, and Ninth-Mile suburbs of Enugu Municipality. Four hundred pigs (100 from each location) randomly selected for the study comprized 198 males (49.5%) and 202 females (50.5%) and included 21 piglets (5.25%), 194 growers (48.5%), and 185 finishers (46.25%).Veinous blood from the pig were routinely examined for protozoa parasites, and entire body surfaces examined for ectoparasites. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and results presented in Tables and Bar Charts; error bars indicated significant differences (p