Coccidiosis is one of the most common parasitic diseases in pigs. Coccidia is a microscopic, single-celled organism that causes it. Symptoms of the disease include a lack of appetite and weight loss. In the swine business, coccidiosis can cause major financial losses due to reduced development, decreased feed efficiency, and increased mortality.
Young pigs, especially those in unclean or congested conditions, are particularly prone to this disease. Sanitation, cleanliness, vaccination, and anticoccidial drugs are all proven effective in preventing and treating coccidioidomycosis. The adverse impacts of coccidiosis on pig health and the result can be reduced through early detection and prompt treatment.
Coccidiosis Disease Management in Pig/Swine
Causes of Coccidiosis Disease in Pig/Swine
Small parasites called coccidia that live and reproduce inside the host cells of the intestinal tract cause coccidiosis in pigs. Pig feces is a source of infection, and OO-CIDE (Antec) is effective in disinfecting. The single-celled parasites Eimeria and Isospora that increase within the pig’s intestinal lining are responsible for the disease known as coccidiosis. These parasites are widespread, especially in wet climates and places with poor hygiene. Young pigs’ immune systems have not fully developed, making them especially prone to disease.
Disease Cycle of Coccidiosis Disease
Coccidiosis is a parasitic disease in pigs that involves a complex life cycle completed within a single host. The merozoites can go through one or more cycles of meront production before progressing to the sexual stage of gametogony. Infection occurs through ingestion of sporulated oocysts in feces, and the pathogenicity of coccidial species varies, causing severe clinical signs such as diarrhea, anemia, and weakness. Coccidial infections can also be immunosuppressive, making pigs more susceptible to other diseases. Immunity after Eimeria exposure is lifelong, while Isospora infections prevent further infection.
What are the Symptoms of Coccidiosis Disease?
- Diarrhea in piglets
- Damage to the pig’s small intestine walls.
- Dehydration
- Varying fecal consistency and color (yellow to grey-green or bloody)
- Secondary bacterial infections
- High mortality due to secondary infections
- Occasionally affects young boars and gilts in permanently populated pens and floor feeding.
Diagnosis for Coccidiosis Disease in Pig
- Diagnosing coccidiosis in pigs can be challenging, as identifying oocysts in the feces of infected pigs can be difficult.
- However, coccidiosis should be suspected if there is a diarrhea problem in sucking pigs from 7-21 days of age that does not respond well to antibiotics.
- Clear signs of coccidiosis may be evident during post-mortem examinations.
- Fecal samples should be taken from semi-recovered pigs rather than pigs with scour. The most effective diagnosis is by submitting a live pig for histological examination of the intestinal wall.
- Isospora suis is the most pathogenic type of coccidia. The oocysts do not appear in feces until approximately 3-4 days after diarrhea, which may delay diagnosis.
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Treatment and Control of Coccidiosis Disease
- Medicating the sow feed with amprolium premix, monensin sodium, or sulphadimidine from when the sow enters the farrowing house and throughout lactation.
- Injecting each litter with a long-acting sulphonamide at six days of age.
- Starting at three days of age, piglets are given tiny amounts of milk powder that has been top-dressed with a coccidiostat like amprolium or salinomycin.
- Administering one or two doses of toltrazuril at a 6.25mg/kg level. The mixture is prepared by mixing 250ml of glycerol, 125ml water, and 125ml of Baycox. The response determines the exact timing, and the dose is repeated at ten days of age. Consulting a veterinarian is recommended for the preparation of the mixture.
Preventive and Management Measures to Control Coccidiosis Disease
- Daily removal of sow and piglet feces.
- Improving hygiene in farrowing houses and preventing the movement of feces from one pen to another.
- Completely emptying slurry channels between farrowing.
- Thoroughly washing and disinfecting farrowing houses with substances that are active against oocysts.
- Keep pens dry, particularly in areas where piglets defecate, by removing wet areas with shavings and removing them daily.
- Stopping creep feeding on the floor until piglets are at least 21 days old.
- Controlling flies and providing shade and sprays in wallows to prevent infection.
- Moving farrowing arcs to the new ground between farrowing and burning bedding in outdoor herds.
- Disinfecting floor boards in farrowing arcs with an oocyst-active disinfectant.
- Providing alternating wallows and keeping them away from the source of food.
Right Time for Medication or Contact a Veterinarian for Advice on Coccidiosis Disease
It is critical to consult a veterinarian about the best time to administer medication to avoid and treat coccidiosis in pigs. For successful management, early detection and treatment are critical. The veterinarian can offer advice on the best course of action based on the outbreak’s severity and the infected pigs’ age.
Vaccination Schedule for Coccidiosis Disease in Pig/Swine
There is no specific vaccine available for Coccidiosis disease in pigs/swine. Treatment for infected animals includes individual treatment with amprolium at 10-25 mg/kg for 4-5 days and group treatment with 10 kg 25% premixed per ton of feed. Toltrazuril can also be administered once at a 20 mg/kg PO dose. Monensin at 100 g/ton feed can be used, but results vary. Avoiding infections, like overcrowding or dirty environments, is important for older pigs.
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Impact of Coccidiosis Disease
Coccidiosis disease can significantly impact pig production, causing weight loss, poor growth rates, and increased mortality rates in piglets. The disease can also increase the cost of production due to the need for treatment and control measures, as well as reduced feed efficiency. The disease can lead to enteritis, dehydration, and piglet death in severe cases. Additionally, coccidiosis can harm the welfare of the animals, causing discomfort and stress.
Conclusion
Coccidiosis disease can have a significant impact on pig health and productivity. Effective management through prevention measures, appropriate treatment, and vaccination can help mitigate this impact. By following good hygiene practices, controlling insect populations, and working with a veterinarian to establish a vaccination schedule, farmers can ensure their pigs remain healthy and productive. Remember always to seek veterinary advice and stay proactive in managing coccidiosis disease.
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