Valutazione dell'influenza dei fattori di rischio legati al management e alla struttura aziendale sulla prevalenza dell'ascaridiosi suina in Piemonte

The Ascariasis is a parasitic disease that directly and/or indirectly affects pig farms efficiency and productivity all over the world. The research involved the identification of risk factors, related to farm structural characteristics and management, associated with “milk spot lesions” presence at abattoir due to Ascaris suum larval migration in the pig liver. 24 piedmont pig farms were selected in using the slaughterhouse register, in which seizures for hepatitis parasitic are recorded. Statistical analysis shows how the Ascariasis is even now extremely widespread (23,1% in 2011, 19,9% in 2012 %), with prevalence substantially comparable to those of 2005 (20,1 %). Risk factors such as the “all in/all out” practice, the disinfection at the end of the production cycle and the pharmacological treatment are not significant for Ascaris suum prevalence reduction in the farms. On the contrary, positive significant correlation (p<0,05) emerges between the fully or partially grilled floor, the washing with cold water at the end of the production cycle, the dry feed and 1 the positivity for Ascaris suum. In conclusion, an effective system for ascariasis eradication must provide a balance between the potential production losses related to the pathology and the expected costs resulting from the implementation of a complete prophylaxis system that includes, as well as a targeted pharmacological treatment, even structural and management farm characteristics.