Risk factors for prevalence of pig parasitoses in Mbeya Region, Tanzania

Abstract A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine risk factors for prevalence of common endo- and ectoparasites of pigs kept by smallholder farmers in Mbozi and Mbeya (Rural) districts of Mbeya Region, in Tanzania. A total of 482 pigs from 220 households of 16 villages, eight in each district were randomly selected and examined. Prevalence of Taenia solium cysticercosis was 11.5%, gastrointestinal nematodes 63.7% and ectoparasites 21.2% based on Ag-ELISA, McMaster technique and full body searches/ear scrapings, respectively. Nematode eggs identified were strongyles ( Oesophagostomum spp . and Trichostrongylus spp.), Ascaris suum , Trichuris suis and Strongyloides ransomi with prevalence of 57.4%, 17.5%, 5.3% and 1.1%, respectively. Four groups of ectoparasites were identified, i.e. lice ( Haematopinus suis ), ticks ( Rhipicephalus spp., Amblyomma spp., Haemaphysalis spp. and Boophilus spp.), fleas ( Ctenocephalides canis ) and mites ( Sarcoptes scabiei var. suis and Demodex phylloides ), with prevalence of 19.1%, 2.1%, 0.4%, and 1.2%, respectively. Pigs in Mbeya (Rural) District had higher odds for porcine cysticercosis (OR = 2.63, 95% CI: [1.22–5.55]). Poor pen hygiene and infrequent antiparasitic treatment were identified to be risk factors for prevalence of nematode infections (OR = 1.95 [1.09–3.52] and OR = 1.78 [1.06–2.94], respectively). The odds for high nematode burdens increased in cases of poor pen hygiene (OR = 4.20 [2.54–6.62]) and poor feed quality (OR = 3.7 [1.66–8.33]). Pigs not treated with antiparasitic drugs within the last three months had higher odds for ectoparasite (OR = 4.0 [1.78–9.09]) and lice infestations (OR = 8.33 [1.96–14.28]) than treated pigs. This study has shown that parasitoses constitute a major burden for smallholder pigs in Mbeya Region and major risk factors included infrequent antiparasitic treatment, poor pen hygiene and poor feed quality. Cost-effective intervention strategies are needed to improve pork production, secure pig welfare and ensure safe pork for human consumption.