Determination of Enteric Parasites and Biosecurity Measures in Household Family Farming Systems in the Northwestern Nariño Region, Colombia

Fresh vegetables cultivated in small-scale household systems may facilitate the transmission of foodborne parasitic structures due to environmental exposure and inconsistent hygienic conditions. This study identified the presence, prevalence, and distribution of enteric parasitic structures in vegetables and soils from family farming systems undergoing an agroecological transition process in the Colón–Génova subregion, Colombia, and characterized the biosecurity measures employed by producers. Standard parasitological methods were used to analyze vegetable samples ( n = 216) from six horticultural species and farm soil samples. Strongyle-type eggs (order Strongylida), larvae morphologically compatible with intestinal nematodes, Entamoeba coli , and E. histolytica/dispar -like cysts were detected with varying frequencies, primarily in broad-leaved vegetables such as lettuce, cabbage, and Swiss chard. Soil samples also contained viable parasitic structures compatible with environmental contamination, suggesting that soil may function as a potential environmental source of contamination. The biosecurity assessment indicated an intermediate level of compliance, with critical deficiencies related to disinfection of tools and footwear, incomplete composting of organic fertilizers, and inadequate exclusion of domestic animals from cultivation areas. These results demonstrate that household gardens may harbor enteric parasitic structures of public health relevance. These findings highlight the need to strengthen hygiene protocols, improve the management of organic amendments and water sources, and adopt One Health-based preventive strategies to reduce contamination risk in small-scale horticultural systems.