Netherlands: Coccidiosis causes major loss of growth in lactating piglets

Coccidiosis is caused by the unicellular parasite Cystoisospora suis. In the past, the name Isospora suis was used, Maes says. An infection with this parasite can lead to a yellow-gray diarrhea in piglets from 7 to 11 days old. But that diarrhea does not always have to be visible and diarrhea can also have many other causes. According to Maes, the parasite always causes intestinal damage. This results in growth retardation and makes the piglet more susceptible to other pathogens. Take samples more often A recent study shows that at least 50 percent of Dutch and 70 percent of Belgian companies are infected with coccidiosis. And according to Maes it is more than less, because the parasite is poorly detectable. The excretion of the parasite has already reached its peak before diarrhea occurs. To be sure, samples should be taken at multiple times. In addition, the old method in which the oocysts, the eggs secreted by the parasite, are detected with a flotation method does not work ...