Prevalence of Trypanosomes in Intensively Managed Pigs in Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria

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E. Kalu
C. S. Ukwueze

Abstract

This study was carried out in Umuahia, Abia state with the aim of finding out the prevalence of trypanosomes in pigs reared under strict intensive farming system. A total of 160 intensively reared large white pigs were used.  Blood samples collected were examined for trypanosomes using wet mount, buffy coat and thin smear stained with Geimsa. The study revealed zero prevalence of trypanosomosis. The questionnaire survey also revealed that majority (71.4%) of the pig farmers were males and all were educated. 57.1% of the farmers had SSCE, while 42.9 had tertiary education. It was also observed that most of the farmers had up to 10 – 15 years of experience in pig farming. The survey also showed good management practices by the farmers which may have contributed to the zero prevalence obtained in this study.

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Articles/Veterinary Medicine

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