Prevalence of parasitic fauna of pigs in North-Eastern region of India

The increasing emergence of parasitic diseases with the possibility of ecological threats as well as domestic animals and human health has influence on the importance of understanding disease dynamics and associated risks in biological conservation. The present study was undertaken from North-Eastern part of India from January 2017 to December 2018 to identify different gastrointestinal (GI) parasites based on faecal sample examination, blood smear examination for haemoparasites by Giemsa staining and ectoparasites by visual observation and skin scraping examination in feral as well as domesticated pigs. Overall prevalence recorded was 31.91% for GI helminths (Ascaris suum, Strongyle sp., Stephanurus dentatus, Stongyloides ransomi, Ascarops strongylina, Trichuris suis and Fasciolopsis buskii), 29.41% for GI protozoa (Eimeria spp., Isospora suis, Balantidium coli, Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp.), 11.10% for haemoprotozoa (Eperythrozoon spp.) and 24.28% for ectoparasites (Haematopinus suis, Demodex phylloides and Sarcoptes scabiei var suis). Post-mortem examination in few cases revealed the presence of Stephanurus dentatus in renal pelvis and Metastrongylus elongatus in lungs. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed according to age, sex and seasonal prevalence of parasites. This study will help in development and implementation of preventive and control measures in hygienic pork production to reduce the economic loss due to curable parasitic diseases and to enhance the quality of pork for general public.