Risk Factors Associated with Prevalence of Porcine Cysticercosis in Slaughtered Pigs at Piggery Abattoir in Northern Senatorial Zone of Taraba State, Nigeria

Abstract

Porcine cysticercosis is under-reported particularly in Nigeria, despite the reportedly high prevalence associated with life-threatening health implications. This study was aimed at determining the prevalence of porcine cysticercosis and risk factors related to the prevalence of infection in the study locations in the North Senatorial Zone in Taraba State. A questionnaire survey was carried out to collect information on the Socio-demographic characteristics of participants for anthropometric and cross-sectional studies employed on the prevalence of infection. A total of 350 pigs each were examined at four locations (Nukkai, Iware, Lamangoro, and Jalingo bye-pass) in both dry and rainy seasons and were analyzed by ANOVA. The results showed that 52.3% are not aware of cysticercosis. Preference of cooking, short cooking 90.3% vs 9.7 grilled meat. 36.9% vs. 63.1% were intensive and semi-intensive during rainy seasons. Infections across the study locations show that male pigs were most prevalent at 36.9% (120/350) and 9.7% (34/350) in female pigs. Binary logistic regression analysis indicated that in dry seasons 9.7 % (34/350) and 63.4% (222/359) in rainy seasons. There was a significant difference (P<0.05) in the prevalence of infection among male pigs in Nukkai and Iware whereas, infections in females across the study locations show a higher significance deference at (p<0.05). There was, however, a higher significant difference (P<0.05) in infection by intensive management whereas semi-intensive significance was observed in Nukkai (p<0.05%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that more prevalence of cysticerci of T. solium, was recorded in dry seasons 9.7 % (34/350) and 63.4% (222/350)) in rainy seasons. Risk factors associated with the prevalence of porcine cysticercosis in intensive and semi-intensive study communities were 57.1% (200/350) and 36.9% (129/350).