In different age groups endoparasites are of varying importance. Sows are p
redominantly infected with gastrointestinal strongyles (mainly Oesophagosto
mum spp.), Ascaris suum and Eimeriae, to a lesser extent with Trichuris sui
s, Hyostrongylus rubidus, Strongyloides ransomi or Isospora suis, while in
suckling piglets I. suis and occasionally S. ransomi frequently occur. Wean
ers and fatteners are infected with coccidia and gastrointestinal strongyle
s, later with A. suum. Whipworms are also found occasionally. I suis causes
diarrhoea in suckling piglets, while in older animals the infection is not
correlated with disease. Damage induced by helminths is mainly due to redu
ced performance, in the case of ascarosis to reduced carcass value. Therefo
re planned antiparasitic measures should be taken at all stages of pig keep
ing. Hygienic measures can reduce infection pressure; however parasite elim
ination is difficult to obtain under conventional management conditions. Co
nsequently the control of parasitic infection at the early stage of piglet
production is desirable.