Coccidiosis: A practitioner's approach

Coccidiosis, caused by the protozoan parasite Isospora suis, presents as a diarrhea outbreak in piglets 1 to 2 weeks of age. Diagnosis is based on clinical signs, age incidence, lack of response to antimicrobial therapy, positive response to toltrazuril treatment, and pathology, Definitive diagnosis is by histopathology or stained impression smear. Treatment of an outbreak involves supportive measures and the use of the triazinon drug toltrazuril (currently available in Canada only). Coccidiosis control depends on good hygiene and an all in-all out policy. Prophylactic treatment of piglets with toltrazuril can also control coccidiosis. The disease is important economically because, because it can depress both pre- and postweaning average daily gain and decrease weaning weights, which are important in segregated early weaning.