Coccidiosis in piglets is caused by infection with the coccidium I.suis, a primary pathogen. Piglets are exposed to sources of infection from birth. Since the prepatent period of I. suis is short (5 -7 days), a strong pressure of infection can developrapidly in the first two weeks of life. The disease usually manifests clinically from the age of about 8-10 days and is characterised by diarrhoea, dehydration, in some cases secondary infections and occasionally death (1). Affected animals fail to gainbody mass, and litters develop inconsistently until weaning. Piglet coccidiosis occurs throughout the world. This paper summarises studies into the pathogenesis and control of the disease. The results of these studies and field experience with piglet isosporosis are discussed.
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