PREVALENCE OF GASTRO-INTESTINAL NEMATODES AND ECTOPARASITES OF SWINE IN MAKURDI METROPOLIS, BENUE STATE, NIGERIA

There is a serious concern for pig parasites as obstacles for low productivity and reduction in the market value of pork and infestation intensities of gastrointestinal parasitic nematode. This study was carried out between November 2010 through March 2011and it focused on the prevalence of endo (gastro-intestinal parasites) and ecto parasites of pigs in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. Analysis of faecal and soil samples collected from the abattoir and residential premises was done using the test tube flotation method. Out of the 120 swine population sampled 69(57.80%) had one or more helminthes in relation to their age (p> 0.05). These parasites were identified; Ascaris suum, Strongyloides ransomi and Trichuris suis. Ascaris suum was the predominant helminthes parasite recovered. Piglets had higher infection rate and both sexes of pig sampled were infected. No significant relationship between sex and prevalence was established (p> 0.05). Four different locations were sampled, 22.67% of the soils sampled collected from residential premises were positive for 1 or more eggs of helminth parasites there was no significant difference in the distribution of eggs in the soil samples from the 3 areas sampled. Out of the 100 swine population sampled for ectoparasites, 81(81%) had tickss. This showed high prevalence. The existing regulation on roaming animals in Makurdi should be adequately checked to protect human health.