Abstract

Collection of ectoparasites within Piggeries in Zuru town, Kebbi State was undertaken for a period of one year. Ectoparasites thus collected were identified using a stereo microscope. From a total of 115 pigs, 109 (94.7%) were infested with diverse species of ectoparasites that included Hematopinus suis (44.3%), Sarcoptes scabiei var suis (10.4%), Ornithodorus moubata (8.7%) Amblyomma variegatum (2.6%), Hyalomma dromedarii (10.4%) and Musca domestica (18.3%). The study showed a high prevalence of ectoparasites on pigs which constituted considerable health and production problems. There was a significant difference (p< 0.05) with respect to the age of the host. It is thus imperative to adopt integrated vector control strategies to improve swine production as such studies have not been hitherto carried out in the study area.