Browsing by Author "Githigia, S.M."
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Item Characteristics of the smallholder free-range pig production system in western Kenya(2010) Kagira, J. M.; Kanyari, P.W.N.; Maingi, N.; Githigia, S.M.; Nganga, J.C.; Karuga, J.W.; Kenya Trypanosomiasis Research Institute; Trypanosomiasis Research Centre-KARI, P.O. Box 362, Kikuyu, Kenya, Department of Veterinary Pathology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053, Kabete via, Nairobi, KenyaFree-range pig fanning is common amongst the small-scale fanners in western Kenya. In order to determine the characteristics of this type of production system, a cross-sectional questionnaire survey on farm characteristics and management was collected from 182 fanners in Busia District. The mean farm size was one acre, while the mean number of pigs per farm was 3.6. Pigs were mainly kept as a source of income (98%) and majority were of cross breed variety (64%). The production systems included farrow to weaner (12%), porker to finisher (36%), and mixed (46%). Sixty five percent (65%) of the pigs were tethered and housing was not provided in 61% of the farms. Most of the feeds were sourced locally. Lack of castration and delayed weaning of pigs was observed on 49% and 30% of the farms, respectively. The main production constraints included pig diseases (81 %) and high cost or lack of feed (81 %). Haematopinus Sui infestations and won infections were considered to be the most important diseases by 71 % and 55% of the fanners, respectively. Fanners had moderate knowledge on parasitic disease diagnosis with 31 % and 62% not having a history of either deworming or spraying pigs with acaricides, respectively. Marketing constraints were common amongst the fanners and included poor prices and inadequate market information. In conclusion, the production system was characterized as low-input with an income objective. Future research and development approaches should focus on the integration of free range fanners into the country's market chains through access to extension services.Item Seroprevalence of Cysticercus cellulosae and associated risk factors in free-range pigs in Kenya(Cambridge University Press, 2010) Kagira, J.M.; Maingi, N.; Kanyari, P.W.N.; Githigia, S.M.; Gachohi, J.M; Kenya Trypanosomiasis Research Institute; Trypanosomiasis Research Centre-KARI, PO Box 362, 00625Kikuyu, Kenya, Department of Veterinary Pathology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi, PO Box 29053, Nairobi, Kenya, Trypanosomiasis Research Centre-KARI, PO Box 362, 00625Kikuyu, Kenya International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Old Naivasha Rd, Kabete, PO Box 30709-00100, Nairobi, KenyaPorcine cysticercosis is an emerging zoonosis with public health and economic importance. A cross-sectional study was undertaken to investigate the disease in free-range pigs on 182 smallholder farms in Busia District, Kenya. The survey households were selected using a snowballing technique. Serum samples were obtained from 284 pigs of all ages at farm level and 37 pigs from slaughter slabs in the study area. The samples were analysed for the presence of cyst cercus antigen using an antigen enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A structured questionnaire was administered to determine the risk factors for porcine cysticercosis on the study farms. At pig level, the total number of pigs testing positive were 11, resulting in a seroprevalence of 4% (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.9-6.2%), while the farms with a positive pig were 9% (95% CI: 3.9-14.1%). All pigs examined in the slaughter slab survey were seronegative. The distribution of possible risk factors for porcine cysticercosis that were observed at farm level was as follows: free-range pig keeping (100'Yo), history of human taeniosis infection in a family (51 %), slaughtering of pigs at home (20%), lack of meat inspection (15%) and absence of latrines (15%). The only significant cl = 4.4, P = 0.034, odds ratio (OR) = 3.8) risk factor associated with the occurrence of cysticercosis was lack of latrines at household level. The study shows that porcine cysticercosis is prevalent in free-range pigs in Busia District, Kenya and thus control measures need to be instituted.
