Coccidiosis is one of the costliest diseases in swine production.

Pigs ingest sporulated oocysts which cause damage in the gastrointestinal tract leading to villus atrophy in the small intestine. Atrophy of the small intestinal architecture results in reduced digestive and absorptive capacity of the small intestine meaning nutrients can pass undigested into the large intestine where they can stimulate the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria. As well as this, it reduces gut barrier function meaning there is increased epithelial permeability allowing for the translocation of pathogenic bacteria. This can result in stunted growth, diarrhoea and mortality. 

Decreased oocyst shedding is key for reducing the risk of clinical and sub-clinical coccidiosis. While sub-clinical coccidiosis infections may not be very obvious (poor performance), they account for significant loses in the pig industry. 

Toltrazuril is currently the only registered and effective option for the control of coccidiosis in suckling piglets.