Research needs and priorities for swine internal parasites in the United States.

The swine industry in the United States is increasing in the Southeast. The proportion of pigs raised in confinement has increased to 25% and the trend is expected to continue. Changes in geographic origin and in management have affected the swine parasite fauna. A few parasites have almost disappeared and others have gained new prominence. Prevention and control of parasites are accomplished by feed additives and routine therapeutic treatments. Knowledge of the epizootiologic factors governing parasite transmission, in relation to climate and management systems, may lead to improvements in the prevention and control of swine parasites. Opportunities exist for developing biological, chemical, and managerial practices that can be integrated economically into management systems to control parasites and improve performance through decreases in mortality and morbidity and increases in daily gain and feed conversion efficiency.