A case report: Gross and microscopic presentation of cysticercosis in a two-year-old boar in pig herd in Jos Plateau State Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Porcine cysticercosis is a neglected zoonotic caused by the larval stage of the tapeworm Taenia solium in pigs and humans. The infection has been well-thought-of as an exclusively economic problem, as cysticercosis impacts on animal production affecting food security due to downgrading and total condemnation of affected meat, or reduced sale price or confiscation of live animals and nutritional losses for small holder farming community thereby reducing income and rendering an important source of protein unsafe to eat leading to poor- quality pork. The aim of the study is to determine the cause of abnormal movement and confirm the presences of cyst in a two-year-old boar in Jos. On the 6th of March, 2016, a Veterinarian was invited to deworm a herd of 20 pigs supposedly raised under intensive management. Method: During physical examination, a 2-year-old boar in the herd was observed to show signs of exhaustion, gasping, unsteady gait and ataxia. Result: On close examination, the presence of cysts was noticed on the tongue. The animal was sacrificed for postmortem examination. Grossly, there was generalized multiple organ infestation involving the tongue, vertebral column, heart, masseter, biceps, diaphragm, meninges, and the brain etc. Histopathologic examination of the affected organs showed irregularly round cyst approximately 200 µm in diameter. Conclusion: Porcine cysticercosis is present in a small holder pig farm in Jos metropolis. Unsanitary condition in the farm leading to occasional contact with human feces from the community could be the principal source of infection to the pigs. Community health education and improvements in hygiene are recommended as effective control measures to mitigate further spread of the disease.