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. 2024 Feb;17(2):273-281.
doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2024.273-281. Epub 2024 Feb 1.

Prevalence and diversity of gastrointestinal parasites on pig farms in Kalasin Province, Thailand

Sirikanda Thanasuwan  1 , Supawadee Piratae  2   3 , Keattipong Thaowandee  1 , Chalothon Amporn  1
Affiliations

Prevalence and diversity of gastrointestinal parasites on pig farms in Kalasin Province, Thailand

Sirikanda Thanasuwan et al. Vet World. 2024 Feb.

Abstract

Background and aim: Gastrointestinal (GI) parasite infections are the foremost and prevalent diseases that affect pigs in Thailand. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of GI parasites among pigs in Kalasin Province. This study is the first attempt to understand the occurrence of GI parasites in pigs within Kalasin province using fecal samples as the methodology.

Materials and methods: We collected 324 fecal samples directly from the rectums of pigs from May to July 2023. The formalin-ethyl acetate concentration and floatation methods were used to examine these samples. The eggs or oocysts were identified by observing their morphology and size under a light microscope.

Results: Of the 324 fecal samples examined, 276 tested positive for gastrointestinal parasitic infections, resulting in a prevalence rate of 85.19%. Nematodes were the most prevalent, with Strongyle-type infections being the highest in 267 cases (82.41%), followed by Ascaris suum in 222 cases (68.52%), and Trichuris spp. in 152 cases (46.91%). Strongyloides spp. infections were also observed in 92 cases (28.40%). However, trematode infection was relatively rare, with only Fasciola spp. found in 15 cases (4.63%). We identified Eimeria spp. in 87 cases (26.85%), Iodamoeba spp. in 70 cases (21.60%), Balantidium coli in 67 cases (20.68%), and Isospora spp. in 52 cases (16.05%). Notably, most of the positive fecal samples showed double infections with a prevalence rate of approximately 38.27%. Single infections were the next most common, accounting for 25.31% of the cases, followed by 3 parasites (14.81%) and 4-5 parasites (6.79%).

Conclusion: This study underscores the high endemicity of GI parasites among pigs in Kalasin province. To improve prevention and control measures, it is recommended to establish a health monitoring program that includes deworming and emphasizes good hygiene practices. The insights gained from this study will contribute to the enhancement of pig farming practices in Kalasin province, ultimately leading to improved production and profitability. In addition, future research should focus on detecting these parasites in Kalasin and exploring their relationship with human transmission cycle.

Keywords: Kalasin; gastrointestinal parasites; pig; prevalence.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Figures

Figure-1
Figure-1
The map of Kalasin province, Thailand (left), and six districts of sampling sites (right) [Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalasin_Province].
Figure-2
Figure-2
Prevalence of gastrointestinal infection by genera in pigs in Kalasin province (6 districts), Thailand.
Figure-3
Figure-3
Gastrointestinal parasite present in pigs samples. (a) Eimeria spp.; (b) Isospora spp., (c) Iodamoeba spp., (d) Balantidium coli, (e) Trichuris spp.; (f-j) Strongyle-type; (k) Strongyloides spp.; (l-m) Ascaris suum; (n) Strongyloides spp. (worm); and (o) Fasciola spp.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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