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Bulletin No. 19 - Fall 2004
Parasitology- No Category
AGNEESSENS J, KANORA A
The value of faecal examination as predictive tool for Ascaris suum infections
Proceedings of International Pig Veterinary Society 18th Congress, June 27-July 1, 2004, Hamburg, Germany, Volume 1, Page 298, Abstract No. 667
Rational control of Ascaris suum infection is possible by hygienic measurements and the strategic use of anthelmintics. It is generally recommended that the implementation of such a control program should only start after the presence of infection is parasitologically confirmed (e.g. EPG or liver scoring). Two commercial fattening farms, with a known history of Ascaris infections were selected. On both farms 1 and 2, the results from the faecal examination suggest only a relatively low Ascaris infection during first part of the fattening period, up to week 21 However, towards the end of the fattening period, there was an important increase in the number of positive faecal samples. This indicates that the relative low number of egg-shedding pigs at the beginning of the fattening period, can be responsible for the contamination of the entire stable, and the spread of infection to the other animals. Not only are faecal examinations for Ascaris a weak predictor for the potential build up of infection pressure, the slaughterhouse results also clearly indicate that results from faecal examination underestimate the actual percentage of recently, or previously infected pigs. A large part of Ascaris infections are not properly treated or undertreated, because parasite levels are thought to be low, or thought to be not existing. Strategic use of anthelmintics should be programmed.
