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Coccidiosis in pigs

Neonatal piglet coccidiosis (Cystoisospora suis) causes non-responsive scours in the first weeks of life. Learn the signs, toltrazuril dosing, and prevention.

Pig coccidiosis is driven by Cystoisospora suis, which targets very young piglets — typically those between birth and about three weeks old.

Who is at risk

Suckling piglets in the farrowing house are the main victims. Warm, moist farrowing environments favor the parasite.

Symptoms of coccidiosis in pigs

  • Pasty to watery diarrhea. Yellow-to-grey scours in the first weeks of life that don't respond to antibiotics.
  • Poor weight gain. Uneven, lightweight litters and rough hair coats.
  • Dehydration. Piglets become gaunt and weak.
  • Low mortality but real cost. Death is uncommon, but lost growth and uneven litters add up.

When to act

Blood in the stool, ongoing diarrhea, dehydration, or a young pig going downhill all warrant prompt veterinary attention. Confirm the diagnosis with a fecal test rather than guessing.

Treatment

Effective options for pigs include:

  • Toltrazuril. The classic control measure: a single oral dose (about 20 mg/kg) given to piglets at 3–5 days of age, before disease appears.

Pair any treatment with supportive care — fluids, nutrition, and a clean, dry environment. The dosage reference shows typical published figures; a veterinarian must confirm what's right for your animal.

Talk to a vet about pigs

Coccidiosis should be confirmed with a fecal test, and several anti-coccidial drugs require a veterinarian's prescription. Vetr connects you with licensed veterinarians who can diagnose, advise, and prescribe when appropriate.

Talk to a licensed vet

Prevention

  • Clean and dry farrowing crates thoroughly between litters — oocysts persist in the environment.
  • Consider routine single-dose toltrazuril for piglets in problem herds, on veterinary advice.
  • Keep bedding dry and reduce fecal contamination in the crate.
  • Work with your vet to confirm the diagnosis before building a program.

Is it a risk to me or other animals?

Cystoisospora suis is host-specific to pigs and does not infect people.

Frequently asked questions

Why don't antibiotics fix my piglets' scours?
Coccidiosis is caused by a protozoan parasite, not bacteria, so antibiotics don't touch it. Scours in 1–3 week old piglets that don't respond to antibiotics is a classic clue for Cystoisospora suis.
When is toltrazuril given to piglets?
Typically as a single oral dose at 3–5 days of age — before clinical disease develops — in herds with a history of piglet coccidiosis. Your vet will confirm whether a routine program is warranted.
How do I confirm the diagnosis?
A veterinarian can identify the parasite on fecal testing or intestinal samples, since scours in piglets has several possible causes.
Coccidiosis.com × Vetr

Questions about pig coccidiosis?

A licensed veterinarian can confirm the diagnosis and advise on the right approach for your pig. Vetr offers veterinary consultations.

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Educational information only — not veterinary advice, and not an offer to sell any product. Coccidiosis.com provides general educational information about animal health and does not diagnose, treat, or prescribe. Some medications discussed (including toltrazuril and diclazuril) are not approved by the U.S. FDA for use in animals, and others are approved only for specific species; any use must be determined and supervised by a licensed veterinarian, who can also advise on correct dosing and withdrawal times. Always consult your veterinarian before using any medication.