Located in West Africa with a surface of 322,462 km², Côte d’Ivoire is a country whose economy is mainly based on agriculture [1]. In this agriculture, aquaculture, fishing, and livestock are secondary activities for most Ivorian populations [2]. Livestock production is low and livestock represents less than 1% of GDP (Gross Domestic Product) [2]. The number of pigs fell from 324,000 traditional pigs and 48,000 modern pigs in 1991 to 268,000 traditional pigs and 78,000 modern pigs in 2001. The pig industry was badly affected by the African swine fever epizootic in May 1996, which has caused a 64% drop in numbers of modern pigs and 32% of traditional pigs [2]. The need to initiate action in favor of the revival and development of the pork sector in Côte d’Ivoire requires an in-depth analysis of the actors in the sector [3].

Pig farming constitutes an important saving for the farmer for the resolution of social problems [4]. It also contributes to the fertilization of the soil through manure. An adult pig can produce 600 to 730 kg of organic manure per year [5] [6]. The proliferation of breeding pig farming in the villages of the sub-region and more specifically that of Côte d’Ivoire is worrying. Pig breeding farming exists almost everywhere, even in the countryside. Many families in rural areas have a few pigs that they let around their homes. The villages of the commune of Vavoua are not left out of this type of pig farming. However, this kind of breeding pigs causes the phenomenon of predation and nuisance [1]. In addition to the predation and nuisance they cause, pigs constitute a reservoir of potentially pathogenic microorganisms dangerous for human beings and represent a risk for them [7]. There are many worms recognized as the causative agents of much pathology such as roundworms, echinococcus, dipylidium and tapeworms. These worms lay microscopic eggs which eliminated in the faeces, end up in the environment. These eggs, the main source of contamination, resist several years in the external environment and are very difficult to destroy [8]. Pig droppings accumulate and dry out during the dry season. The dust thus formed can scatter and affect people living in the vicinity [9]. In addition to the infectious nature, some parasites can create allergic reactions in some people [10]. And those whose harm is considered nil or very low for healthy humans can be seriously pathogenic in patients with diseases immunodeficient [11].

Despite these risks, we have not recorded any specific study on the excrements of pigs bred in wandering in Vavoua.

The general objective of this study is to characterize the species of pathogenic worms contained in the excrement of pigs bred in wandering.

The results concerning manure collection and management methods at the farm level revealed that open storage is the most widespread system in villages where pen farming is practiced. This mode of practice is used by 55% of pig farmers while 10% store waste in pits.

This result agrees with that obtained in Senegal by Clerk [25]. This author has indeed recorded that 10% of manure is stored only in the pits and that the majority of manure is in the open air. The exposure of manure to the open air may be related to the lack of adequate infrastructure for storing animal manure. According to Marquis & Marchal [26] and Vua et al., [27], the absence of pits would contribute to the emission of odors. Also, the majority of populations have not livestock as their main activity. As a result, the construction of habitats for their animals would be considered a fortuitous and non-beneficial investment.

The presence of parasitosis is an indicator of the awareness and level of education of the population in the field of health [28]. Loreille & Bouchet [29] asserted the opposite that these factors have no impact on biological risk. Only the external factors related to the practices of the breeders on the respect of hygiene and the conduct of breeding that must be taken into account as a source of contamination by the zoonotic disease.

A total of 7 parasites with zoonotic effect have been identified which are Ascaris lumbbricoides, Taenia soluim, Cryptosporidium parvum, Giardia intestinalis, Fasciola hepatica, Toxocara canis and Echinicocus granulosus. The frequent zoonotic species are Ascaris lumbbricoides, Taenia soluim, Cryptosporidium parvum, and Giardia intestinalis. The specific zoonotic species are Fasciola hepatica, Toxocara canis, and Echinicocus granulosus. The number of species of zoonotic parasites can be considered to be high, given the adverse effects that a single species can cause in pigs and humans.

These different species of zoonotic parasites have previously been reported in other regions of West Africa, such as Guinea [30], Gambia [18], Senegal [31], Burkina Faso [32] and Mali [33]. However, in some of these countries mentioned above, other species of zoonotic parasites have been observed, in addition to the seven species mentioned. These are the species Bunostomum phlebotomum, Opistorchis felineus and Necator americanus.

The difference between the number of species of zoonotic parasite identified in our study and that of the authors who worked in the countries mentioned above would be related to the duration of the sampling campaign. The longer the study period, the greater the probability of encountering a large number of species. This is explained by the fact that each species of parasite, having a seasonal or periodic development cycle, is only observable during this time. Thus, extending the sampling period over a long period would contribute to a high specific richness.

In Côte d’Ivoire, as elsewhere in West Africa, helminths are the most numerous parasites. This abundance is due to the fact that when the animal emits the faeces, the larvae are still intact. But with time and environmental conditions the abundance decreases and some are washed away by erosion and others in the air [34]. This explains the abundance of parasitic worms in fresh stray faeces (29%) compared to dry faeces (24%).

Contrary to the faeces which are in enclosures, there is a significant amount in dry faeces (26%) than in fresh faeces (21%) of the accumulation of parasites in the enclosures if it is not cleaned regularly. This is similar to that of Levasseur & Dutrémé [35] who demonstrated that the materials in the pigsty constitute vectors of contamination if it is not cleaned regularly.

Prevalence plays an important role in the fight against the biological risks of worms because all parasites with a zoonotic effect can be avoided by means of prophylaxis. The prevalence of zoonotic parasite varies between 65.14% and 93.82% in the villages of Vavoua. The prevalence of zoonotic parasite varies between 65.14% and 93.82% in the sampled villages of Vavoua. These prevalence values are very high. They also show the high risk of zoonotic infestation to which the populations of these villages would be exposed. The zoonotic parasitic index values, high in pigs from the sampled villages, could be explained by the fact that swine are stranded frequent areas of human defecation. Indeed, in most of these villages, common septic tanks are almost non-existent and the inhabitants defecate in nature at the level of the brush around their own homes. Stray animals, such as stray pigs, will feed on human excrement on these defection grounds.

Unlike Brazil, the prevalence was 12.2% according to Carneiro [36] and it was around 37.14% in Lebanon according to Hamze [37], after a study on zoonotic parasites. Infestation of pigs resulting from the negligence of deworming agents and non-compliance of the hygiene measures can be avoided by training farmers in livestock management.

There are 7 species with zoonotic effect, of which the most frequent species are Ascaris lumbbricoides, Taenia soluim, Cryptosporidium parvum, and Giardia intestinalis, and the specific species are Fasciola hepatica, Toxocara canis and Echinicocus granulosus. The lack of knowledge on intestinal parasitosis, the non-respect of the rules of hygiene of the individual and the pigsty and the non-mastery of livestock management constitute risk factors for the transmission of parasites from pigs to populations.

Strategies for eliminating zoonoses should focus on educating farmers to respect individual and collective hygiene.

In addition, support from the government or NGOs can improve the living conditions of each household while influencing the health of the environment.

The results obtained can serve as a reference to better guide subsequent interventions in terms of zoonosis.

Admittedly, parasite eggs were identified, but the study did not allow the counting of pig parasites in the absence of a more efficient tool. Further study would suggest the prior determination of the presence of parasites in human faeces and the detection of worms in the environment followed by the search for potential risk factors that are at the origin of the infestation.

The authors declare no conflicts of interest regarding the publication of this paper.

Kone, M., Sylla, I., Yeboue, K.F., Djirieoulou, K.C. and Ballo, B.A. (2022) Parasitic Risks Due to Excrements from Pigs Bred in Some Villages of Vavoua, a Tropical Area Located in the Center-Western of Cote D’Ivoire. Open Journal of Veterinary Medicine, 12, 89-99. https://doi.org/10.4236/ojvm.2022.129009