Public Health Significance of Cysticercosis in Pigs Slaughtered at Abia State Abattoir

Porcine cysticercosis, caused by the larval stage of Taenia solium, is a neglected zoonotic disease with serious public health implications including human neurocysticercosis. This study examined the prevalence and public health significance of cysticercosis in pigs slaughtered at the Umuahia Township Abattoir, Abia State, South East Nigeria. A retrospective and prospective design was adopted. Slaughter records from 2021 to 2023 were reviewed, and a prospective inspection of 200 pig carcasses was conducted over a six-month period. Cysticerci were identified during post-mortem examination using standardized incision techniques at the tongue, masseter muscles, and heart. A questionnaire survey targeting 50 abattoir workers and meat sellers assessed knowledge of Taenia lifecycle and human risk. Results showed a cysticercosis prevalence of 14.5% based on routine inspection. However, reliance on visual inspection alone likely underestimates the true burden. Knowledge of the zoonotic link between porcine cysticercosis and human tapeworm infection was found to be low among meat handlers. The study recommends routine meat inspection training, public health education targeting pork consumers, and adoption of more sensitive detection methods. Keywords: cysticercosis, Taenia solium, post-mortem inspection, Abia State, zoonosis