| dc.description.abstract | The prevalence of helminth infection, species
spectrum and worm burdens in Kenyan pigs was
examined. A total of 115 gastrointestinal tracts (GIT)
from 61 growers and 54 adult pigs were examined
between February 2005 and January 2006. Seventy
eight (67.8%) had one or more helminth parasites, of
which thirty six (31.3%) were mixed infection. Ten
types of helminth parasites encountered in descending
order of prevalence were, Oesophagostomum dentatum
(39.1%), Trichuris suis (32.2%), Ascaris suum
(28.7%), Oesophagostomum quadrispinulatum
(14.8%), Trichostrongylus colubriformis (10.4%), Trichostrongylus
axei (4.3%), Strongyloides ransomi
(4.3%), Hyostrongylus rubidus (1.7%), Ascarops
strongylina (1.7%) and Physocephalus sexalutus
(0.9%). Oesophagostomum dentatum was the most
prevalent species (51.9%) in the adult pigs, while
Trichuris suis was the most prevalent species (44.3%)
in growers. The highest worm counts were recorded in
the out door production system. Oesophagostomum
quadrispinulatum, Trichostrongylus colubriformis, Trichostrongylus
axei, Hyostrongylus rubidus, Ascarops
strongylina and Physocephalus sexalutus were
recorded in Kenya for the first time. The high prevalence
and wide spectrum observed in the present study
suggests that helminth infection may be a constraint to
economic pig production in the country and there is
need to institute control measures. | en |
