Hygiene key to reducing worm infestation in pigs

Hygiene is key to controlling worm infestation. [Jenipher Wachie]

Recently, there was a public health warning that the pork we consume in Nairobi maybe contaminated with epilepsy-causing tapeworms. In the wake of this news, today I will focus on common worms that attack pigs.

Common Pig Worms

Round Worms: They are found in the small intestines; immature stages are found in liver and lungs where they destroy these tissues. Heavy infestation can result in the blockage of small intestines and bile duct causing loss of appetite, vomiting and death.

Tapeworm: Pigs don’t show clinical signs of infection; it is found at post mortem inspection of pork. The worms are found in muscles of the heart, tongue, fore and hind arms and neck. This worm is of public health importance. Ingestion of pork contaminated with pig tapeworm causes cysticercosis which can cause seizures in human beings. Fortunately, this infestation responds well to treatment with praziquantel dewormers. Eating of undercooked or raw pork contaminated with the tape worm larvae is a risk factor for cysticercosis.

 Transmission

Pigs become infested by eating eggs or larval stages of these worms in contaminated feeds. Rooting or digging into soils which is a common feeding behaviour of pigs put them at a higher risk of infestation with eggs or larval stages. These eggs are encased in thick shells and can be resistance even to disinfectants.

Clinical Manifestations

Clinical signs are dependent on the type of worm, their numbers and nutritional status of the pig. Clinical signs are more pronounced when the pig is in poor nutritional status and include diarrhoea, anaemia and loss of body weight.

Prevention and Control of Pig Worms

Antihelmintics can help reduce the worm burden by killing worms already inside the pig’s body. But most worms have a life cycle that includes some phase being out in the environment. For effective control the farmer must use the antihelmentics strategically so as to kill all the stages of the worms. There are several dewormers in the market your vet will advise on which one is effective against the specific worm. Current dewormers are effective against a broad spectrum of worms and kill the larval and adult stages.

For indoors pigs, hygiene, drainage and regular removal of faecal waste can help reduce the level of contamination and hence infestation because major mode of transmission of worms is through contamination of food, soil or beddings with feaces or urine. Cleaning of pens and equipment with disinfectants. Good nutrition improves pig’s immunity.

Tape worm can be prevented through proper cooking of pork, washing hands frequently when preparing pork, using clean utensils and proper disposal of human waste to prevent cross contamination of feeds. Farmers should be keen to observe clinical signs of worm infestation and urgently call their veterinary doctor in good time.

[The writer was the Vet of the Year Award (VOYA) winner in 2016 and works with the Kenya Tsetse and Trypanosomiasis Eradication Council –KENTTEC. Email: [e-mail]]