Parasites are divided into two groups: External and internal parasites. The external parasites live outside the body of the host. The host being the animal or person the parasites live on.
The internal parasites live inside the body of the animal and cannot be seen. They can only be detected from the impacts and effects it has on the animals. Different types of internal are worms and coccidia.
Worms
Coccidia are tiny parasites that inhabit the cells of the pigs intestines making them not absorb the feeds.
Worms are divided into roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms and lungworms. Roundworms is ingested through contaminated feeds and water in either egg or larvae form. The pigs continue to feed but the conversion is poor leading to poor growth.
Lungworms inhibit the lungs making pigs cough from time to time.
Tapeworms
The body of a tapeworm has segments like the human finger. Each segment cuts off as it grows.
Tapeworms suck blood from the pig making them weaker. When pigs are attacked by tapeworms they do not grow, their immunity starts to go down and suffer from anaemia.
One can find worms or parts of it in the solid waste of pigs.
Prevention
Worms can be found in the stomach, small intestines and large intestines. Ensure the feeds and water is not contaminated.
Use water lines and watering nipples instead of water troughs to discourage pigs from stepping into the water. In cases where one cannot afford the water lines, use slim water and feed troughs.
Consult a veterinary doctor either 2-3 months so that they are dewormed regularly. Internal parasites are found mostly about 2-3 months after weaning in piglets.
