PREVALENCE OF DERMATOPHYTE INFECTION IN PIGS AMONG SMALLHOLDER FARMERS IN BAYBAY CITY, LEYTE, PHILIPPINES AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS

The province of Leyte accounts for at least half of the swine population in Eastern Visayas, Philippines and records the highest number of slaughtered pigs within the region. Given that the majority of pigs in the region are raised by smallholder farmers and that occupational exposure to ringworm has been recorded particularly in rural pig farmers, dermatophytosis could pose a significant public health risk. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of, and risk factors involved with dermatophyte infection in pigs raised by smallholder farmers in Baybay City, Leyte. Using actual culture procedures from 384 samples, our study confirmed the presence of dermatophytes among pigs which could be used as basis for prevention and control programs in the future. While the over-all prevalence is quite low (5.47%) with the Microsporum nanum being the most prevalent (3.91%) followed by Trichophyton mentagrophytes (1.04%) and finally Microsporum canis (0.52%), it is imperative that pig farmers should improve their management practices. In particular, the use of open pit for manure disposal and the non-specific medication of pigs should be avoided.