04/08/2025
Coccidiosis is a parasitic disease that affects the intestinal tract of animals, caused by protozoa of the genus Eimeria.
It's a common and significant issue,
particularly in young animals and poultry, and can lead to diarrhea, bloody stools, and even death in severe cases.
What causes coccidiosis?
1. Protozoan Parasites:
-caused by microscopic parasites
called coccidia, specifically from the genus Eimeria.
Host Specificity:
-highly host-specific,
meaning that Eimeria species that infect chickens, for example, are different from those that infect cattle.
Transmission:
-Infection occurs through the ingestion of sporulated oocysts, which are essentially the parasite's eggs.
-oocysts are shed in the f***s of
infected animals and can contaminate the environment (water, feed, soil).
Environmental Factors:
-Poor hygiene
-overcrowding
-damp conditions
Symptoms:
-Diarrhea: Often watery and can be
bloody in severe cases.
-Bloody Stool: A key sign, especially
in intestinal coccidiosis.
-Other signs: Lethargy, weight loss,
loss of appetite, ruffled feathers
(in birds),
Diagnosis:
-Examining f***l samples for
the presence of coccidia oocysts.
Treatment:
-Includes medications like sulfa drugs or anticoccidial drugs (Amprolium) to kill the parasites.
Prevention:
1. Hygiene
-Maintaining clean living conditions for animals
-keeping litter dry and changing it
regularly
-ensuring proper sanitation of
feeders and waterers.
2. Reducing Stress
-Minimizing overcrowding
-managing stress
factors
-ensuring proper nutrition.
3. Vaccination
-Vaccines are available for some animals, especially poultry.
4. Good Management
-Proper stocking density
-minimizing exposure to infected f***s are crucial.
Economic Impact:
Coccidiosis is a major concern for
the poultry industry, leading to
significant economic losses due to
reduced growth rates, poor feed
conversion, and increased mortality.
-Cattle, sheep, pigs, and other
-livestock are also susceptible.