OCCURRENCE OF GASTROINTESTINAL PROTOZOA IN PIGS IN SELECTED AREAS OF GAZIPUR DISTRICT

Abstract

The investigation was carried out in Gazipur district from November, 2014 to June, 2015 and 100 faecal samples were examined by direct flotation and sedimentation techniques. Faecal samples examination revealed that 49% animals were infected with enteric protozoa irrespective of age and sex. In the present study, 5 types of enteric protozoa were identified, of them Eimeria spp. (35%), Isospora suis (5%), Balantidium coli (3%), Entamoeba suis (4%) and Cryptosporidium sp. (2%). The prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in relation to age and sex were examined. In age groups, significantly (p<0.05) higher prevalence was found in growers (71.04%) and adults (52.18%) than piglets (25.63%). There was no significant difference between infection rates on male and female (p>0.05). It is concluded that pigs are highly susceptible to parasitic infection in Gazipur Districts, which has serious effect. The present study is not emphasized on the thorough epidemiological parameters of parasitic infection which is essential for planning effective control strategies against protozoal infection.