ASSESSMENT OF THE ENDOPARASITIC BURDEN OF THE NORTHERN IRISH PIG ' INDUSTRY BY COPROLOGICAL EXAMINATION AND LIVER INSPECTION

摘要

Pig abattoir surveys in Ireland indicate that the nation's pig enterprises suffer significantly from Ascarsis suum infestations. In 2003/2004, the mean incidence of milk spot on the liver was 24%. 88% of all pig batches were affected with various levels of milk spot (1). Owing to a slower growth rate, poorer feed conversion, carcass downgrades and extra medication costs, the economical losses due to Ascaris can mount to ?6.30 per slaughtered pig (2). Furthermore, the health status of a pig farm can be seriously compromised by parasitic infestations (3, 4,5). The objective of this study was to investigate the degree of endoparasitic infestation in Northern Ireland.