Burden of Intestinal Parasitic Infections of Pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus): Impact on Abattoir Workers and Its Environmental Implications in Aba Ultra-Modern Abattoir, Abia State, Nigeria

Intestinal parasitic infections in livestock pose significant risks to animal health, productivity, public health, and the environment. Consequently, the objective of this paper was to investigate the burden of intestinal parasitic infections of pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus) and its impact on abattoir workers and environmental implications in Aba Ultra-Modern Abattoir, Abia State, Nigeria using appropriate standard methods including structured questionnaire to elicit the abattoir workers' knowledge of intestinal parasitic infections. Of the 600 fecal samples examined, 78.2% were infected, comprising 54.8% helminths and 45.2% protozoa. Identified protozoan species included Entamoeba polecki (14.7%), Eimeria suis (12.2%), Giardia lamblia (6.0%), Cryptosporidium parvum (5.5%), Toxoplasma gondii (4.9%), and Isospora suis (1.9%). Helminths detected were Taenia solium (10.7%), Trichuris suis (9.8%), Ascaris suum (7.9%), Trichinella spiralis (7.2%), Oesophagostomum dentatum (4.9%), Strongyloides ransoni (4.3%), Metastrongylus salmi (3.6%), Fasciola hepatica (3.0%), Cysticercus cellulosae (2.1%), and Hyostrongylus rubidus (1.3%). Seasonal analysis showed higher infection rates during the wet season, with single and mixed infections comprising 61.7% and 29.3%, respectively, compared to 48.0% and 17.3% in the dry season. Among abattoir workers, zoonotic parasites detected included Taenia saginata (11.3%) and Fasciola hepatica (8.8%), with farmers and cleaners most affected. Environmental assessment revealed 170 parasitic forms in soil and 179 in water, indicating substantial contamination. Strong positive correlations were observed between parasite prevalence in pigs and the environment (r = 0.8712), and between workers and the environment (r = 0.8943). Despite high awareness of intestinal parasites (100%), notable exposure risks persist, highlighting the need for integrated parasite management strategies within the abattoir setting.