Pathological Findings in Pigs Condemned at Abia State Government Slaughterhouse, Aba, South East Nigeria

Pork production represents a culturally significant and economically important livestock activity in Abia State, South East Nigeria. Despite this, the pathological basis for carcass condemnation at slaughterhouses in the region remains poorly documented. This descriptive cross-sectional study examined the gross and histopathological findings in pig carcasses condemned during routine meat inspection at Abia State Government Slaughterhouse, Aba, between April and October 2023. A total of 180 pigs were examined, and 62 carcasses were fully or partially condemned based on macroscopic findings. Tissue specimens were collected from condemned organs and processed for histopathological analysis. The principal causes of condemnation were cysticercosis (29.0%), hepatic abscesses (22.6%), pneumonia (19.4%), jaundice (12.9%), and generalised septicaemia (16.1%). Histopathological examination of cysticercotic muscle tissue revealed encysted larvae surrounded by fibrous connective tissue and eosinophilic inflammatory infiltrates. Hepatic abscess specimens showed extensive hepatocellular necrosis and bacterial colonies within necrotic centres. These findings represent significant public health concerns, particularly regarding cysticercosis transmission in communities dependent on traditionally slaughtered pork. The study recommends community health education on the pork-tapeworm cycle, introduction of ante-mortem veterinary certification for pigs, and upgrading of slaughter hygiene standards in Aba. Keywords: pigs, carcass condemnation, cysticercosis, histopathology, Aba