Occurrence of Isospora suis in piglet production farms

Five piglet production farms (155-238 sows/farm) were investigated three ti mes during the suckling period for the occurrence of Isospora suis over the period of one year. On all five farms I. suis was found to be a common end oparasite and was associated with diarrhoea. The infection rates were highe st in litters of 3 or 4 weeks of age (32.6 % and 37.7 %, respectively). I. suis was also common in the two investigated specialized piglet rearing uni ts but was not associated with diarrhea in the older piglets. A high standa rd of hygiene seemingly reduces the risk of isosporosis.