PREVALENCE OF PARASITIC WORMS AMONG LIVESTOCK FARMERS AND THE ZOONOTIC POTENTIAL IN FARM ANIMALS

Abstrak

Parasitic worm infections in livestock pose a potential zoonotic threat to humans and remain a public health concern in farming areas. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of parasitic worms among farmers and assess the zoonotic potential in livestock in Palangka Raya City. A descriptive survey was conducted from July to October 2023. Fecal samples from farmers and livestock (cattle, goats, and pigs) were collected using a simple random sampling method. The flotation and sedimentation methods were used for livestock feces, while the Kato-Katz method was applied to farmer samples. The results showed that out of 10 farmers examined, 6 (60%) were infected with Taenia sp. All cattle (9), 4 goats, and 6 pigs were also found positive for Taenia sp. eggs. Poor stable sanitation, improper waste disposal into rivers, and the absence of personal protective equipment contributed to the high infection rate. It was concluded that Taenia sp. was the dominant parasite species infecting both farmers and livestock in Palangka Raya, indicating a significant zoonotic potential. Improved personal hygiene and livestock sanitation are essential to break the transmission cycle.