title: A preliminary analysis of some epidemiological factors involved in porcine cysticercosis in Bafut and Santa subdivisions, North West Region of Cameroon.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To examine the magnitude and some risk factors of porcine cysticercosis in Bafut and Santa, two sub-divisions noted for pig farming in the North West Region of Cameroon.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 499 pigs in 300 households were examined by tongue inspection and serologically by Ag-ELISA. Information was sought on the age and sex of the animals, prevailing husbandry systems, types of feed, the state of each pen and the state of toilets. Futhermore, a questionnaire was administered to the farmers to determine their awareness on taeniasis/cysticercosis and related factors.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The prevalence of the disease was significantly higher in Santa (10.2%) than in Bafut (4.2%), although there was a higher level of awareness in both localities (62.3%). Age of pigs, traditional rearing systems (roaming, tethered, earth floor pen, raised floor pen), faecal disposal in the environment and poor sanitation significantly influenced the seroprevalence of porcine cysticercosis in both localities. Most farmers (79.7%) used a combination of concentrate, grass and kitchen waste to feed pigs. Financial loss from porcine cysticercosis was estimated at 346 900 CFA representing 2% of total income.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Control measures advanced here include sensitization campaigns, periodic examination and treatment of infected pigs by veterinarians, improved husbandry systems, proper use of standard latrines regularly inspected by sanitary officers, and sound hygienic and sanitary practices.
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal Biology, Laboratory of Applied Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon.
authors.forename: Nchang Allo Nicoline
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Ngwing
authors.forename: J Wabo
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Poné
authors.forename: Mpoame
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mbida
authors.forename: A Zoli
authors.initials: AZ
authors.lastname: Pagnah
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Njakoi
authors.forename: C F Bilong
authors.initials: CF
authors.lastname: Bilong
mesh_terms: D000822:Animal Husbandry / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D000818:Animals; D000947:Antigens, Helminth / Q000097:blood; D002163:Cameroon / Q000453:epidemiology; D003551:Cysticercosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000635:transmission / Q000662:veterinary*; D003672:Defecation; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D006920:Hygiene / Q000592:standards*; D008297:Male; D008460:Meat; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013552:Swine; D013553:Swine Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000635:transmission; D041201:Taenia solium / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D014038:Toilet Facilities / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014059:Tongue / Q000469:parasitology
chemical_list: D000947:Antigens, Helminth