PREVALENCE OF PARASITIC ARTHROPODS ON SUS SCROFA DOMESTICUS LINNAEUS (ACTIODACTYLA: SUIDAE) FROM TWO SELECTED PIG FARMS, PORT HARCOURT – NIGERIA
NJE Vol. 41(2): 175-183, 2025
DOI.10.36108/NJE/5202/14.0231
Ekerette, I.B., Amuzie, C.C. & Nwachukwu, P.C.
Entomology Unit, Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt
Abstract
Parasitic arthropods are ecto-parasites that impact on domestic animal production. Pig rearing is very attractive due to the low management costs involved. However, parasitic arthropods can lead to economic losses. Most reports on ecto-parasites of livestock are concentrated on goats, cattle and poultry, thereby necessitating this research. This study investigated the prevalence of parasitic arthropods on the body of pigs reared at two farms located at Elelenwo and Rivers State University, Rivers State, Nigeria. A total of 76 pigs were examined (40 from Elelenwo comprised of 17 males and 23 females; and 36 from Rivers State University Farm comprised of 16 males and 20 females). Standard sampling and parasitological techniques, including coat shaving techniques and microscopy, were employed and appropriate identification keys were used. An overall prevalence of 39.4% (30 samples positive for parasites) was encountered. Two species of parasitic arthropods were isolated: Rhipicephalus spp. (26.3% prevalence) and Ctenocephalides spp. (13.1% prevalence). Specifically, Elelenwo farm exhibited a higher prevalence of infestation (42.5%) compared to Rivers State University (36.1%), and this is attributed to higher hygiene standard maintained at the Rivers State University farm. Overall, thirteen male (17.1%) and seventeen female (22.4%) pigs were infested. This study has revealed the prevalence of ticks (Rhipicephalus spp.) and fleas (Ctenocephalides spp.) infesting pigs in the farms hereby examined. This both demonstrates the cosmopolitan nature of these parasites and necessitates the use of appropriate control and treatment measures to forestall high economic losses to farmers.
Keywords: Ectoparasites, Rhipicephalus sp., Ctenocephalides sp., ticks, fleas, agricultural extension services