Farm Animals

Pig Neonatal Coccidiosis Welfare

Neonatal coccidiosis caused by Isospora suis is a significant cause of piglet diarrhea and welfare compromise in the first weeks of life.

Key Facts

Isospora suis causes diarrhea in piglets between 5 and 15 days of age
Clinical signs include pasty yellow diarrhea, dehydration, and weight loss
Morbidity can reach 70 to 100 percent of litters in affected herds without intervention
Toltrazuril given at 3 to 5 days of age prevents oocyst development and clinical disease
Environmental hygiene and disinfection between litters reduces contamination pressure

Welfare Considerations

Piglets with coccidiosis experience diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, and dehydration that significantly impairs growth and welfare. Prophylactic treatment at 3 to 5 days of age prevents clinical disease and associated suffering.

What You Can Do

Support farms with documented coccidiosis prevention protocols using toltrazuril
Advocate for preventive treatment programs as standard practice in affected herds
Choose pork from farms with comprehensive neonatal health management programs