Detection of intestinal parasites in pig slurry: A preliminary study from five farms in Spain

The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of intestinal parasites in pig slurries from several piggeries in Alicante (Spain). Pig slurries were collected in five highly-intensive pig farms (A–E), being sampled in each farm from the pits depending on the production cycle (gestating sows, farrowing sows, weaners, finishers). Samples were concentrated either through zinc sulphate flotation or by formalin–ethyl acetate sedimentation methods. Parasitological examination was performed by optical microscopy. Detection of Cryptosporidium sp. was performed using conventional acid-fast stain and by DNA extraction and PCR amplification. Cryptosporidium genus-specific primers (CPBDIAGF and CPBDIAGR) were used to amplify the Cryptosporidium SSU-rRNA variable region. Intestinal parasites were found in all farms studied. Several protozoa (Ballantidium coli, Entamoeba coli and Cryptosposidium sp.) and helminths (Ascaris suum, Trichuris suis, Fasciola hepatica, Strongylida and nematode larvae) were identified. Parasite viability studies are needed in order to assess the potential risk for animal and human health.