Chapters authored
Taenia solium Cysticercosis in Pigs and Human: A Review of Epidemiological Data in West Africa (1990–2019)
Taenia solium taeniasis/cysticercosis/neurocysticercosis is a neglected zoonotic disease endemic in sub-Saharan Africa, Latin-American and Asia and is an emerging public health and economic problem. The association between cysticercosis and epilepsy has been documented worldwide including West Africa. Poor sanitary conditions, traditional pig farming and poverty play an important role in perpetuation of Taenia solium. There has been limited research undertaken in T. solium in human and pigs in some West African countries, where prevalence of taeniasis was up 40%, human cysticercosis 10.3%, porcine cysticercosis 32.5–39.6% and epilepsy 28.0/1000–43.0/1000. The study identified porcine cysticercosis in 18 countries, human cysticercosis in 19 countries, taeniasis in 4 countries and epilepsy was reported in 25 countries. The aim of this study is to review scientific literature on the epidemiology of T. solium infections in pigs and humans in Western Africa and document data on the prevalence of epilepsy in the region. The objective is to document occurrence of disease in West Africa so as to offer options available for control. The study conducted literature search of online international databases of published resources for information on T. solium in Western Africa and Epilepsy from 1990 to 2018.
Part of the book: Overview on Echinococcosis
Tracing the Domestic Pigs in Africa
Pigs are vital to the economy and critical in meeting the ever increasing demand for livestock and livestock products in most parts of the world. Pig is one of the oldest domesticated animals, though their ancestory is still shrouded in controversy due to lack of sufficient archaeological and genetic information. However, most of the breeds are thought to have descended from the Eurasian Wild Boar (Sus scrofa). This chapter will therefore look at the African pig under the following headings: Introduction, origin of pigs – genetic and historical/archaeological evidences, pig breeds in Africa, economic importance of pig production in Africa, marketing of pigs in Africa, herd health management of pigs in Africa, and challenges affecting pig production in Africa.
Part of the book: Tracing the Domestic Pig