Farmers' knowledge on the prevalence of porcine cysticercosis in Arapai sub county.

Abstract

Understanding pig farmer's knowledge on prevalence of porcine cysticercosis is a very important strategy for successful eradication of porcine cysticercosis and human Taeniasis. This study was carded out in the three selected parishes of Arapai Sub County, Soroti district, Eastern Uganda. The study aimed at determining pig farmers’ knowledge on Taenia solium infections pig management practices and lingual prevalence of porcine cysticercosis. Findings from the study indicated that (44.4%) of the respondents were not aware of the presence or prevalence of porcine cysticercosis in the area, the sex and level of education of the farmers was noted to have an impact on the knowledge of porcine cysticercosis prevalence in Arapai Sub County (p<O.05). A lingual prevalence of 6.2% was also indicated. In addition, a substantial number (60.5%) did not have any knowledge on how pigs get infected with tape worms, and 79.0% did not also have knowledge on how humans get infected with Taeniasolium, 74.1% were aware of someone with epilepsy in the community, 13.6% knew someone who was diagnosed of tape worms in the last 12 months. This was an indication that Taenia solium infections were prevalent in the community. Many of the respondents (25.9%) did not also have latrine thus practice open air defecation which allows roaming pigs to access fecal matter containing. rape Worm eggs. In their management practices Feeding ofthe pigs was mostly on kitchen left overs, pastures and homemade feeds (43%) Pigs fed on such feeds have lowered. immunity and hence have reduced resistance to tape worm infections,58% of the farmers irregularly deworm their pigs, and lastly confinement (tethering 43% free rage 24%, total enclosed 3.7%) The study therefore revealed that porcine cysticercosis exists in Arapai Sub County and the farmers do not have proper knowledge on the life cycle of Taenia solium, diagnosis of the disease. The management practices on feeding, confinement and deworming are also at low levels. It was also found that some fanners still practice open air defecation. Further research should be conducted; Community based public health education should be carried out promotion of pit latrine digging ,proper garbage disposal better management practices for pigs should be promoted among the farmers to prevent roaming of pigs, improve feeding of their pigs and follow recommended deworming regimes, Veterinary doctors should be recruited to inspect the pork consumed by the community members, Mass deworming of pigs and treatment of human carries should always be observed to disrupt the cycle.