INTRODUCTION

Background of GI parasites of pigs

Gastrointestinal parasites are limiting factors to successful and sustainable production of not only pigs but livestock as a whole. Knowledge on how to properly deal with them is very essential especially in preventing or dealing with anthelmintic resistance. Information about the internal parasites of pigs in Cameroon is comparatively limited and the most recent work is that which was carried out some three years ago on the internal parasites of pig and worm control practices in the Bamboutous, West Region (Kouam et al., 2028).

Looking at the growth in number of pigs from 2,896,271 heads in 2012 (NIS, 2017) to 1,960,026 thousand heads in 2019 (knoema.com), shortage of data on this aspect of pig production is a sunrise. The warm temperature and humidity in the tropics, as well as the poor management practices on pig farms in sub-Saharan Africa invariably cause pigs to be infested and to carry heavy burdens of gastrointestinal parasites (Kouam et al., 2017). Whatever the production system that may be adopted in these sub-Saharan countries (Cameroon included), parasitism is likely to occur and this constitutes a huge hindrance to the efficient and efficient and profitable pig production (FAO, 2000).

In 2013, Tomass et al. Reported that extensively managed pigs harbor intestinal helminthes and protozoans, while pigs raised in intensive operations though thought to be less prone to gastrointestinal infestation, are infested as well; the large roundworm (Ascaris suum), whipworm (Trichuris suis), the nodular worms (Oesophagostomum spp), and protozoa (Coccidia) are often found in intensive pig production (Eijck et al. 2005, Atawalna et al., 2016). The harm caused by pig parasites is well known and cannot be under looked. Parasites, especially gastrointestinal parasites, prevent a productive pig husbandry by robbing the essential nutrients required for optimum reproduction and growth, or by causing lesions leading to condemnation during inspection of organs, diarrhea, poor feed conversion, and in some cases, even death. Also, the incidence of drug resistance reported to occur worldwide paints a clear picture of  how diseases, particularly internal  parasitism, are handled in pig husbandry .Knowledge on parasite control practices is also necessary to design  strategies to mitigate the harmful effect of parasitism in livestock.

Faced with the current context of the high rate of urbanization and the strong demographic growth that most African countries are experiencing, the sources of animal protein have become more and more insufficient (provide references ????). Ruminant production is evolving but still cannot meet the needs of the rapidly growing population. Consequently, in an attempt to salvage the situation, great interest must be paid to the development of short-cycle species, such as pigs, in the food self-sufficiency strategies devised by the public authorities (Ngwa et al., 2020). One of Cameroon’s agricultural policies is to improve the food security of populations by increasing production in all aspects and animal husbandry is just one of them. (Achancho, 2013). Pigs have a relatively short reproductive cycle, large litter size, low consumption index and high carcass quality (Bime et al., 2014) and hence can be efficiently used to meet up with the protein demand of the growing population.

Unfortunately, gastro intestinal infestations, caused by gastrointestinal (GI) parasites, are the most important and the most common diseases that affect pigs in the tropics (Maganga et al., 2019). In addition to causing great economic loses, these infestations also make it quite difficult to attain the objective of ensuring food security by using pork as a source of protein.

Several species of helminthes infestations have been reported in several African countries, the most common being Ascris suum, Strongyloides ransomi, Trichuris suis and Oesophagostomum spp. (Maganga et al., 2019).

Statement of Problem

With a continuous rise in the population of Cameroon, there is a corresponding rise in the demand for food of animal origin to meet protein demands of the population. According to the Livestock Master Plan 2009 and the 2012 pastoral survey, the main challenge to achieving this objective is the health and sanitary constraints, which is the prevalence of parasites and infectious diseases that affect 70 per cent of herds (PID, 2016).

The warm temperature and humidity in the tropics, as well as poor management practices on pig farms in sub-Saharan Africa, invariably cause pigs to be infested and carry heavy burdens of gastrointestinal parasites (Kouam et al., 2018). Gastrointestinal parasites prevent a productive pig husbandry by taking up the essential nutrients required for optimum reproduction and growth by the animal, or by causing lesions leading to condemnation during inspection of organs, diarrhea, poor feed conversion, and even death (Kouam et al., 2018, Schwartz 1952, Pradella et al., 2020).

Pig production has become a great source of income and employment in Sub-Saharan countries and Cameroon in particular, but faces numerous difficulties as the production system has not been improved everywhere (MOTSA’A et al., 2018). It is among the best options as source of cheap and high quality dietary protein for the rising African population in general and Cameroon in particular. Pigs are among ‘the most prolific and fast growing livestock species that convert food leftovers to valuable products’ (MOTSA’A et al., 2018), which is a good characteristic of any animal to be considered for use in meeting up with the required food security in Cameroon.

Research Questions

• What is the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in pigs produced in Mezam?
• What are the common types of GI parasites found in pigs produced in Mezam?
• What are the risk factors associated with GI parasites of pig produced in mezam?

Objectives

Main objective

The study aims to contribute to the epidemiology of GI parasitic infections of pig in Bamenda municipality as well as contributions on how to mitigate its effects.

Specific objectives    

• To determine the prevalence of GI parasitic infections of pigs slaughtered in the Bamenda Municipality, Mezam Division; Northwest Region.
• To determine the associated risk factors of GI parasitic infections of pigs in Bamenda Municipality, Mezam Division, Northwest Region Mezam, Northwest Region.