Abstract

Objective: To re-evaluate the status of Taenia solium (T. solium) cysticercosis in slaughter pigs due to the great economic and public health implication of the parasite and the increasing pig production and pork consumption in the area. Methods: The prevalence of porcine cysticercosis in Nsukka area of Enugu State, Nigeria was evaluated using structured questionnaires and postmortem examination of pigs slaughtered in three major slaughter slabs in the area, namely, Orba, Ibagwa and Nsukka slaughter slabs. Questionnaires were distributed to willing butchers and pig marketers and completed copies were retrieved and analysed. The slabs were visited every other week during which a total of 379 pigs were examined. Pig carcasses were examined in accordance with standard meat inspection procedures. Briefly, carcasses were examined visually under natural light and palpated before longitudinal incisions were made in the heart, tongue, masseter, neck, intercostal, shoulder and thigh muscles. Carcasses containing cysticerci were recorded as positive for cysticercosis. The sex, age and breed of all animals examined were recorded. Results: T. solium cysticercosis prevalence of 3.3% (4/120), 4.3% (5/117) and 0% (0/142) were recorded for Ibagwa, Orba and Nsukka slaughter slabs respectively with an overall prevalence of 2.4% in the three study areas. The type of pig husbandry practiced was the most important factor influencing the prevalence of the infection. Analysis of the questionnaire responses showed that the majority of the respondents were not aware of the zoonotic implication of porcine cysticercosis irrespective of their educational background nor were they aware that epilepsy in the family could be associated with the infection in man. Conclusions: T. solium cysticercosis remains endemic in Nsukka area and is a potential major health hazard that must be addressed by an expanded and coordinated study, and control programs.

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