Coccidiosis is a protozoal parasite disease, that destroys lining of chicken’s intestine. Chickens become infected with coccidiosis by ingesting oocysts that are shed in the feces of infected birds. The oocysts can survive in the environment for several months, and they are most infective when they are sporulated. Sporulation occurs when the oocysts mature in environment under warm, moist conditions.
SYMPTOMS OF COCCIDIOSIS:
1. Diarrhea
2. Bloody feces
3. Reduced productive performance 4. Disruption of gut health
5. Reduced appetite
6. In severe cases, death
COCCIDIOSIS USUALLY AFFECTS:
- New chicks that don’t have any immunity to the parasite yet
- Young birds
- Sick and unwell birds
- Birds that are suffering from malnutrition
- Birds suffering from high parasite loads or otherstresses
DIFFERENT SPECIES OF EIMERIA WHICH CAUSE COCCIDIOSIS:
1. Eimeria tenella
2. Eimeria necatrix
3. Eimeria acervuilna
4. Eimeria brunetti
5. Eimeria maxima
6. Eimeria mitis
7. Eimeria praecox
8. Eimeria hagani and Eimeria mivati
WAYS TO PREVENT COCCIDIOSIS:
- Poultry house management: Regular removal of litter from poultry houses every 2-3 weeks, followed by application of fresh litter before introducing new flocks. Changing of litter is very important for maintaining hygiene and minimizing infection risks.
2. Ensure safe drinking water: Clean and disinfect the water lines to prevent the spread of oocysts through drinking water system. Water quality has direct link to the health status of birds.
- Lower pH with organic acids: Decreasing the pH level in the intestines can be beneficial in reducing the count of Eimeria parasites in the intestinal tract. Organic acids are commonly used to support gastrointestinal health.
4. Role of herbal extracts and medicinal plants: Many plant extracts exhibit the anticoccidial properties. Curcumin from curcuma longa, artemisinin from artemisia annua, has proven effective in reducing oocyst shedding in infections caused by genus Eimeria.
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