COCCIDIOSIS MANUAL

COCCIDIOSIS
Coccidiosis is a common protozoan disease found in domestic birds and other
fowl, characterized by enteritis and bloody diarrhoea.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

History ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 4

Characteristics And Classification Of The Pathogen ....................................................................................4-5

Lifecycle ................................................................................................................................................................................ 5

Epidemiology and pathogenesis ............................................................................................................................... 6

Clinical signs and pathology ......................................................................................................................................6-8

Diagnosis ........................................................................................................................................................................... 9-11

Disease Monitoring ......................................................................................................................................................... 11

E. acervulina - Johnson & Reid Scoring ............................................................................................................ 12
E. brunetti - Johnson & Reid Scoring ................................................................................................................. 13
E. maxima - Johnson & Reid Scoring ............................................................................................................... 14
E. necratix - Johnson & Reid Scoring ................................................................................................................. 15
E. tenella - Johnson & Reid Scoring ................................................................................................................... 16

Treatment .............................................................................................................................................................................. 17

Management, Prevention & Control....................................................................................................................... 17

Environment Management.................................................................................................................................... 17
Nutrition ............................................................................................................................................................................. 18
Sanitation & Biosecurity ............................................................................................................................................ 19
Anticoccidial Vaccines ............................................................................................................................................... 19

IMMUNOCOX 3®
Live Vaccine .................................................................................................................................................................... 20
Product Information .................................................................................................................................................. 21

IMMUNOCOX 5®
Live Vaccine .................................................................................................................................................................... 22
Product Information .................................................................................................................................................. 23

References ............................................................................................................................................................................ 24

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 HISTORY & CHARACTERISTICS

HISTORY & SYNONYMS

In 1910, H. B. Fantham, a parasitologist at the University of Cambridge, UK, described the life cycle of the coccidiosis
parasite in birds. Further progress in coccidiosis research was made about 30 years later at Harvard University – USA,
by E. Tyzzer. His studies laid the foundations of our contemporary understanding of coccidiosis and the Eimeria
species involved in this illness. The results from the studies conducted by W. T. Johnson at Western Washington,
Oregon Agricultural Experiment Station can also be added to these achievements, as a major contribution in the field
(Chapman, 2003).

CHARACTERISTICS AND CLASSIFICATION OF THE PATHOGEN

Nine species of Eimeria are capable of infecting chickens.
Depending on the localisation of lesions in the intestines,
coccidioses are divided into caecal, induced by E. tenella,
and small intestinal, induced by E. acervulina, E. brunetti,
E. maxima, E. mitis, E. mivati, E. necatrix, and E. praecox. All
are intracellular parasites belonging to the Eimeria genus
of the Eimeridae family. The exogenous development
of Eimeria in poultry consists of forming in their oocysts,
4 sporocysts with 2 sporozoites each. This process,
called sporulation, happens only under suitable external
conditions, adequate warmth (the optimal temperature
is 29°C), moisture and oxygen. The sporulation process
usually occurs within 24–48 hours after excretion. At
temperatures below 8°C, most of the oocysts perish,
but in those which survive, sporulation could go on for
more than 8 weeks (Obreshkov et al., 1978). Eimeria in
poultry is very host specific, with the exception of cases
in which severely immunosuppressed birds were used
(McDougald & Fitz-Coy, 2008). Eimeria oocyts

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 CHARACTERISTICS • LIFE CYCLE

LIFECYCLE
1

2
6

7 3

Unsporulated oocysts are shed in the process facilitated by the physical Following the asexual lifecycle, a
1 feces in the litter. Oocysts sporulate grinding effect and the presence of 6 sexual lifecycle begins during which
(become infective) in the presence digestive enzymes and bile salts. male and female gametes form. The
of adequate moisture, oxygen and male and female gametes fuse to
temperature. Oocysts are extremely The sporozoites penetrate the form a zygote which develops into an
environmentally resistant and can 4 gut cells to initiate development immature, unsporulated oocyst that
survive up to one year in dry, cool of asexual intracellular schizonts. is shed onto the litter in the feces.
environments. Schizonts produce large numbers
of a second invasive stage, called With each successive cycle,
Sporulated oocysts, containing four merozoites that penetrate other gut 7 the number of oocysts in the
2 sporocysts that each contain two cells to produce a further generation environment increases. Unless
infective sporozoites, are ingested of schizonts. immunity has developed or an
by the birds from ground and litter anticoccidial is used, when the
pecking. The number of asexual generations environemental conditions are
5 varies from two to four depending favourable for sporulation of this
Sporocysts and then sporozoites on the species of coccidia. Asexual built-up threat, the birds will not
3 are released in the gut from the multiplication results in an be able to cope with this sudden,
sporulated oocyst by excystation, a exponential increase in parasite massive exposure in the number of
numbers. infective sporulated oocysts.

Oocysts exhibit a considerable resistance in the environment, capable of retaining their viability for years. The environment most
conducive to their survival is a depth of 5 cm down in the soil. At these levels about half of the oocysts can remain vital even at
low temperatures of –6°C to –10°C. However, after 2–3 consecutive frosting/ defrosting cycles, all will perish. At temperatures of
60°C they can survive for 15–20 min, at 70°C – for 2 min, while at 80°C they die instantly (Obreshkov et al., 1978).

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 EPIDEMIOLOGY & PATHOLOGY

EPIDEMIOLOGY AND PATHOGENESIS

These parasites primarily affect younger birds and to mixed-age flocks, overcrowding, unbalanced feeding,
immunity develops relatively quickly after exposure, etc. Wet litter and heat in the poultry house favour
protecting against repeated infection at a later age. It sporulation and therefore, the outbreak of coccidiosis.
should be taken into consideration, however, that there Most oocysts can be found in the litter of broilers aged
is no cross immunity between the Eimeria species and between 3 and 5 weeks. The main route of oocyst
consequent outbreaks could be caused by different spread is mechanical –via staff, equipment, etc. The
species. In birds at a later age, most commonly around ubiquitous spread of coccidia makes their elimination
the beginning of laying, heavy outbreaks with high or prevention through sanitation, disinfection or
mortality rates may occur, provoked by stress as well quarantine impossible (McDougald & Fitz-Coy, 2008).
as by the short direct cycle and the high reproductive Damage to the mucosa and the changes in the
potential of the coccidia. Depending on the amount functions of the intestines that occur as a result of the
of ingested oocysts, the illness could be mild or acute life cycle of the oocysts create an opportunity for the
(McDougald & Fitz-Coy, 2008). multiplication of various other pathogens, most of all
In field conditions, it is nearly impossible for chickens to clostridia, as well as some Salmonella spp., Histomonas,
remain uninfected. Sources of oocysts are adult birds, as etc. (Arakawa et al., 1981; Mcdougald & Hu, 2001).
well as ill or recovered birds. The infected chickens shed
oocysts via their faeces for several weeks. Predisposing
conditions are poor hygiene, breeding in close proximity

CLINICAL SIGNS AND PATHOLOGY

Most often, clinical coccidiosis will be observed as lesions in the caeca, caused by E. tenella, or lesions in various
areas in the small intestines, caused by E. acervulina, E. maxima or E. necatrix. Caecal coccidiosis damages the caecal
mucosa, resulting in caecal hemorrhaging of various degrees that is difficult to miss during post mortems. It is further
characterised by high morbidity, dehydration, weight loss and mortality. Figures 1-8 shows classical examples of these
observed signs and lesions in the caeca.

In the small intestines, depending on the Eimeria species, various intensities of lesions and hemorrhaging can be
observed, as illustrated by Figures 9-12.

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 CLINICAL SIGNS & PATHOLOGY

Fig. 1 Clinically, bloody faeces, ruffled feathers, anaemia, Fig. 2 The area around the vent is stained with blood.
reduced head size and somnolence are observed.

Fig. 3 Pathoanatomically, dehydration and a high degree Fig. 4 Anaemic appearance of internal organs.
of anaemia of the body and viscera are discovered.

Fig. 5 In caecal coccidiosis, a marked typhlitis is present. Fig. 6 Caecal coccidiosis. Haemorrhages are seen through
the intestinal wall.

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 CLINICAL SIGNS & PATHOLOGY

Fig. 7 The caeca are filled with fresh or clotted blood. Fig. 8 At a later stage, the caecal content becomes thicker,
mixed with fibrinous. exudate and acquires a cheese-like
appearance.

Fig. 9 In many instances, the haemorrhages are petechial Fig. 10 Haemorrhages are usually found on the mucosal
and visible through the intestinal wall. surface.

Fig. 11 Sometimes, a reaction of the intestinal lymphoid Fig. 12 The content is mixed with fresh or clotted blood,
tissue is present. and the mucosa is mottled with multiple petechial or larger
haemorrhages.

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 DIAGNOSIS

DIAGNOSIS
Diagnosis is made on the basis of a thorough analysis of the complex clinical circumstances, macroscopic lesions,
imprint preparations, histopathology and flotation.

To differentiate between the species, the following features have to be taken into account: area of intestinal
lesions, oocyst morphology, minimum sporulation time, minimum prepatent time, size and location of schizont
development, etc. (Conway & McKenzie, 2007).

Macroscopically, diagnosis is possible if major lesions are present. In subclinical or chronic cases, microscopic
examination is necessary in order to detect oocysts. Samples for detection of the oocysts can be taken from faecal
matter, intestinal content or the litter. Fresh fecal samples should be collected from several different areas of the
surface layer, avoiding the moist litter under the drinkers. The samples should be kept refrigerated and sent to the
laboratory for oocyst counts in order to assess the coccidiosis load in the environment (Figure 14). In the laboratory,
samples can also be analysed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to determine the species present in the sample.

To detect coccidia in the intestinal tissue, routine histological techniques can be used. Various stages of development
of the Eimeria organism can be detected by staining cross sections with hematoxylin-eosin (H/E). (Figure 13).

Clinical symptoms of coccidiosis can depend on the infecting species and the amount of infective oocysts. In
heavy infections, impaired nutrient absorption, increased feed conversion ratios, decreased growth rates, poor skin
pigmentation, chilling symptoms, diarrhea, prostration, and death may be observed.

Fig. 13 Histologically, developmental forms

(arrows) in a different stage of Eimeria life cycle
are detected in epithelial cells of intestines.

Fig. 14 The microscopic examination of a native

preparation of intestinal content or of superficial
mucosal layer reveals numerous oocysts in one
observation field.

9
 DIAGNOSIS

Initial diagnosis and dentification of infecting Eimeria species can also be made by paying close
attention to the location of the observed lesions as the coccidia species are very specific to which areas
of the intestine they infect.

E. acervulina
f Concentrates in the duodenum;
reaches the jejunum in heavy
infections.
f Lesions do not extend beyond Meckel’s
diverticulum.

E. brunetti
f Concentrates in the ileum and large
intestine; extends along the intestine
during schizogony.
f In heavy infections, it extends back up
into the ceca.

E. maxima
f Concentrates in the jejunum and ileum.
f Lesion examination is carried out in the
area surrounding Meckel’s diverticulum.

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 DISEASE MONITORING

E. necatrix
f Schizogony concentrates in the jejunum
and ileum; gamogony concentrates in
the ceca.

E. tenella
f Concentrates in the ceca (sometimes in
the terminal ileum and large intestine);
may develop differently in the two ceca.

DIFFERENTIATION FROM NON-COCCIDIAL DISEASES IS CRUCIAL

Common differential diagnoses include:
f Salmonella (caecum) f Salt poisoning
f Necrotic enteritis (Clostridium f Mycotoxicosis (small intestine)
perfringens) (small intestine/ileum) f Cannibalism (blood in feces)

DISEASE MONITORING
Coccidial monitoring of chickens and turkeys is done by routine intestinal lesion scoring, typically between 18 to 28 days of age.

The most widely used system for coccidial monitoring is the commonly accepted Johnson and Reid Scoring System. Using
this system, lesion scores, noted from one to four (zero for a normal appearance of the intestine), are assigned for each of
the five coccidial species likely to induce lesions in chickens. A similar system was developed for turkeys by ANSES, France.

Visible lesions in the gut mucosa typically appear in late schizogony or during gamogony, and their severity remains
constant for a few days. The lesions are caused by the release of merozoites and eventually the unsporulated oocysts.

Note: a lesion score of 3, for example, does not result from a lesion score of 2 the previous day, and will not evolve into
a different severity the following day in the same bird. The lesion observed is a direct indication of the level of challenge
when the bird ingested infective oocysts 4-6 days earlier. However, as the epithelium regenerates,
the lesions slowly disappear making accurate scoring more difficult.

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 E. acervulina
JOHNSON & REID SCORING SYSTEM

SCORE 1
Scattered white plaques on the mucosal
surface, mainly in the duodenum.
Fewer than 5 lesions per cm2.

SCORE 2
More numerous white plaques in the
duodenum and/or jejunum, but not
coalescent. Normal color.
Criterion: Score 2 when white plaques
number more than five in 1 cm of
intestinal length (whatever the intestinal
portion).

SCORE 3
White plaques are numerous enough to
coalesce at some sites AND mucosal
discoloration is observed. Contents are
watery. The mucosa may be covered with
a whitish coating, but the score remains 3
as long as white plaques appear on the
epithelium under this coating.

SCORE 4
Discrete white plaques are no longer
visible. Mucosal discoloration is extreme
and the mucosa may be covered with a
whitish coating laden with oocysts
(microscopic confirmation).
The coating may have disappeared,
making the lesion arduous to score.
Compare with other intestines before
giving a final score.

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 E. brunetti
JOHNSON & REID SCORING SYSTEM

SCORE 1
A few petechiae on the serosal surface,
mostly at the ileal level, but can be found
in other portions of the intestine.

SCORE 2
More numerous petechiae on the serosal
surface, mostly at the ileal level.
Contents are watery. Petechiae on the
mucosal side sometimes extend down to
the large intestine.

SCORE 3
Petechiae on the serosal surface or ileum
are light red in color, numerous small
petechiae on the mucosal surface,
watery contents with abundant orange-
or blood-tinged mucous, thick caecal
contents with traces of fibrin or blood.
Ballooning of the intestine.

SCORE 4
Roughened mucous membrane,
numerous small petechiae on the
mucosal surface, watery and mucoid
contents, hemorrhages or epithelial
necrosis, cecal contents mixed with
blood or fibrin. Ballooning of the
intestine.

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 E. maxima
JOHNSON & REID SCORING SYSTEM

SCORE 1
A few petechiae on the serosal surface
around Meckel’s diverticulum, or
in other areas of the intestine.

SCORE 2
More numerous petechiae on the serosal
surface, small petechiae on the mucosal
side, watery contents, orange mucus.
Thickened intestinal wall.

SCORE 3
Ballooning of the small intestine and
thickening of the intestinal wall. Abundant
orange mucus, traces of blood in mucus.

SCORE 4
Significant ballooning, blood and blood
clots scattered in orange mucus, watery
contents, putrid odor.

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 E. necatrix
JOHNSON & REID SCORING SYSTEM

SCORE 1
Scattered white spots and
petechiae on the serosal surface
around Meckel’s diverticulum.

SCORE 2
Numerous white plaques and petechiae
on the serosal surface, slight ballooning.
Somewhat increased mucus secretion.

SCORE 3
Very numerous white plaques and
petechiae on the serosal surface.
Increased ballooning of the ileum.
Extensive hemorrhages and abundant
mucus in the lumen.

SCORE 4
Extensive ballooning and purple color of
the intestine. Contents mixed with very
abundant mucus, red or brown in color,
with massive hemorrhages.

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 E. tenella
JOHNSON & REID SCORING SYSTEM

SCORE 1
Scattered petechiae on the caecal serosal
and mucosal surfaces. Little blood in
the caeca. Thick cecal contents.

SCORE 2
Petechiae on the caecal serosal and
mucosal surfaces. Thick caecal contents
containing blood or fibrin. Thickened wall,
but presence of grooves.

SCORE 3
Caecal wall greatly thickened, grooves no
longer visible. Absence of caecal contents
replaced by blood or fibrin.

SCORE 4
Distended and club-shaped caeca. The
lumen of the distended caeca is all filled
with blood (schizogony) or blood clots.

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 MANAGEMENT, PREVENTION & CONTROL

TREATMENT
Various chemical coccidiostats are on the market for treating clinical infections. Amprolium, Decoquinate and
Sulfonamides are widely used. Vitamin A and K supplements can also aid in recovery.

MANAGEMENT, PREVENTION AND CONTROL

Coccidiosis prevention has seen significant changes over of coccidiosis outbreak. In commercial broiler production,
the years and depends on a number of factors, including the polyether ionophores play a major role in anticoccidial
type and dosage of anticoccidials, resistance profiles on protection in rotational or shuttle programmes. In shuttle
the particular farm, using coccidiosis vaccines, building programmes, chemical coccidiostatics are used in starter
and equipment management, as well as feed quality feeds followed with an ionophore. (Eckman 1993).
control. The use of anticoccidials in the feed on a rotation An inversed system is also possible: ionophores in the
basis is still the most widely-used method but because starter feed and chemical coccidiostatics in the grower
of increased resistance and consumer pressure to reduce (Conway et al. 2007). Based on empirical observations,
the use of chemicals and antibiotics, the use of coccidiosis and in light of medication resistance issues, the use of
vaccination is rapidly increasing. Anticoccidials can be chemical coccidiostatics with polyether ionophores
included in the feed of broiler chickens from one day in shuttle programmes for 3–4 fattening cycles, or in
of age up to a few days before slaughter. Errors in the rotational programmes for 1–2 cycles in rotation with
coccidiostatic programme, restrictive feeding in growing polyether ionophores or anticoccidial vaccines, is
breeder flocks, or withdrawing the coccidiostatic a few recommended (Conway & McKenzie, 2007).
days before slaughtering of the birds can increase the risk

ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT
Environmental factors that are of significance for the control of coccidiosis and poultry health include: stocking
density, litter condition, temperature, feeding and water provision and ventilation. At temperatures causing
discomfort, feed consumption decreases and thus so does consumption of the anticoccidial. Insufficient ventilation
could lead to wet litter, which facilitates the sporulation of Eimeria. An increase in litter humidity by 15% – 35% is
necessary for the sporulation of oocysts and is crucial after the application of anticoccidial vaccines to allow adequate
sporulated oocysts to re-infect birds to establish a long lasting immunity. High population density poses an increased
risk of coccidiosis due to the competition for food and water among the chickens, as well as a higher concentration of
oocysts (Hamet et al. 1982). Insufficient feeding and drinking space due to overcrowding has an influence on feed
consumption, and thus also over the intake of anticoccidials. The quality of the feed, i.e. adequate levels of protein,
minerals, nutritional supplements and anticoccidials, is of considerable importance for the prevention of coccidiosis,
especially in developing immunity in vaccinated birds.

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 MANAGEMENT, PREVENTION & CONTROL

NUTRITION
Different nutrients have been shown to have remarkable effects on the prevalence of a coccidiosis in poultry.

Some examples from scientific literature are listed below.

f In general, if the saccharide content in feed exceeds 50% of the diet, the birds’ native intestinal flora
will be altered, resulting in reduced growth and enhanced oocyst excretion. Diets rich in barley
Carbohydrates and wheat are known to be rich in anti-nutritional factors (xylans, beta-glucans), which favour
the development of necrotic enteritis, sometimes associated with coccdiosis enteritis, sometimes
associated with coccidiosis.

f Low levels of protein (≤ 13%) reduce coccidiosis-related mortality, oocyst shedding and coccidiosis
lesions, likely due to a reduction in trypsin activity, limited excystation and subsequent parasite
invasion.
Proteins
f Although high levels of protein (≥ 16%) can enhance the development of coccidiosis lesions, the
increased protein protects birds against severe weight loss during clinical infection and the amino
acids are necessary for developing immunity.

f Unsaturated fatty acids seem to promote clinical and pathological signs of coccidiosis and pathology.
f Medium chain fatty acids, such as those found in coconut oil, seem advantageous in reducing the
Fats impact of coccidiosis, compared to long chain fatty acids, found in animal fats.
f Omega-3 supplementations significantly reduce lesions and growth retardation in E. tenella infections.

f High dietary calcium concentrations (≥2%) promote the establishment of coccidial populations;
calcium activates trypsin which is important in excystation, leading to excessive sporozoite infiltration
Macronutrients in the gut.
f Magnesium, in the form of magnesium oxide, induces a reduction in performance by the birds due to
its laxative effect.

f Zinc has a positive effect on weight gain in chickens infected with E. acervulina
Microminerals f Copper reduces the mortality rate of birds infected with E. tenella.
f Selenium enhances birds’ immune response to E. tenella.

f Vitamin A plays an important role in the maintenance of the mucosal integrity; deficiencies promote
coccidial colonization.
f Vitamin E, an antioxidant, stimulates the innate and acquired immune response, reducing the effects
of a coccidial challenge.
f Vitamin K promotes coagulation and has been used to treat hemorrhaging. Flock mortality associated
with E. tenella and E. necatrix infections were reduced with supplementation.
Vitamins f B vitamins are essential for the development of Eimeria spp. populations and may promote infection.
f Vitamin C, also an antioxidant, stabilizes intestinal cell membranes and can be beneficial in protecting
against coccidiosis.
f Corn-based diets have a boosting effect on a bird’s immune response, likely related to their higher
levels of vitamin A and E. In contrast, wheat contains high levels of the B vitamins niacin and riboflavin
which favour the development of Eimeria spp. populations. Wheat can also alter the intestinal flora,
favouring coccidial colonization.

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 MANAGEMENT, PREVENTION & CONTROL

SANITATION & BIOSECURITY

Sanitation and biosecurity play an important role in preventing the onset of a coccidiosis infection.

PRODUCERS MUST:
f Control external access to the farm by restricting the movement of
people and equipment among farms.
f Control access to and into the poultry houses on the farm by
restricting the movement of people and equipment among houses.
f Ensure that materials and equipment entering the farm and/or poultry
houses are properly disinfected, and that personnel follow an
approved sanitation procedure.
f Implement effective rodent and insect control, as well as prevent wild
birds from entering the poultry houses
f Ensure the proper removal of poultry litter from the houses and
transportation off-site, as well as proper cleaning and disinfecting of
poultry houses after cleanout, ultimately reducing the protozoal load
on the farm.

ANTICOCCIDIAL VACCINES
Coccidiosis control is still one of the major concerns in poultry production. The traditional methods of coccidiosis
control in poultry meat production have relied heavily on the use of anticoccidials in the form of ionophores and some
chemical compounds. Having used these products for such a long time, without shuttling between different active
ingredients and sometimes even using it at below recommended levels because of cost, have resulted in increased
incidence of resistance of these Eimeria parasites to these products.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?

The biggest problem with anticoccidial products is Coccidiostatic drugs arrest the development
the development of resistance. Factors contributing to of the protozoa at specific stages of its
anticoccidial product resistance include: lifecycle; withdrawal of the drug will allow the
lifecycle to continue to completion.
f Higher reproductive potential of the coccidia Coccidiocidal drugs kill or irreversibly damage
the parasite at most lifecycle stages with
f Long-term exposure to anticoccidial drugs
no sign of disease relapse following drug
f Not using anticoccidials at the correct dosage withdrawal.

With modern broiler and breeder production also facing increased pressure to reduce the usage of chemicals, antibiotics
and anticoccidials as well as to alleviate the problems associated with anticoccidial resistance, vaccination has become
one of the most viable alternatives in controlling this debilitating disease.

Since research has also repeatedly demonstrated that treating diseased birds is much less effective than
preventing coccidiosis outbreaks in the first place, vaccination is a logical solution.

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 LIVE VACCINE

COCCIDIOSIS

APPROVED SPECIES
ϐ Chickens
KEY ADVANTAGES
VACCINE TYPE X Effective vaccination against coccidiosis
ϐ Live, sporulated Eimeria oocysts caused by 3 Eimeria species economically
» Eimeria acervulina important to broiler chickens
» Eimeria maxima X Gel droplet application keeps oocysts
» Eimeria tenella in suspension during application,
preventing sedimentation of oocysts and
DISEASE PROTECTION facilitating a uniform vaccine uptake of
ϐ Coccidiosis caused by the species contained in all the species included in the vaccine
the vaccine
X Offers a natural and cost-effective
alternative to anticoccidials
VACCINE PRESENTATION
ϐ Live sporulated oocysts in a liquid suspension

ROUTE OF ADMINISTRATION
ϐ Gel droplet application

AGE OF ADMINISTRATION
ϐ 1-3 Day old chickens

PACKAGING QUALITY
ϐ 10 x 1,000 / 5,000 / 10,000 doses ϐ Thoroughly tested for purity, sterility, potency, and
safety, and compliant with all applicable USDA, CFIA,
ϐ Each vial contains 10 ml liquid
and Ceva standards.

20
 ORAL COCCIDIOSIS VACCINE
Live Oocysts of Eimeria spp.

DESCRIPTION
IMMUCOX® is designed for the purpose of delivering uniformly low doses of live oocysts to chickens to aid in the
development of immunity against coccidiosis. When administered according to the directions (see below) IMMUCOX® can
prevent mortality that is attributable to coccidiosis.

PRECAUTIONS
1. Be sure that no anticoccidial (coccidiostat) is used in the feed. Even a low level of anticoccidial can reduce or negate
the effectiveness of the vaccine.
2. Broad spectrum antibiotics which possess anticoccidial activity (e.g., tetracyclines, sulfa drugs, and nitrofurans) should
not be used together with IMMUCOX for the first 16 days after vaccination.
3. Do not over dose or under dose.
4. If birds are housed in a confined space (e.g., brooding area), they must be released from confinement by the sixth day
post-vaccination or the area must be at least doubled.
5. If in doubt, consult supplier.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Follow the directions carefully.
For 10,000 doses of IMMUCOX® Gel-Droplet
1. Add 70g of gel-spray diluent to 2.5L of distilled water. Mix well with a blender.
2. Shake 10,000 doses of IMMUCOX® vaccine well, pour in and mix with a blender.
3. Vaccinate at 1 day of age (hatch day) to 3 days old at a ratio of 25mL for every 100 birds, through a gel-droplet
machine or device.

CAUTION
The capacity of IMMUCOX® to aid in the development of immunity against coccidiosis in chickens depends upon many
factors. These include, but are not limited to, conditions of storage and handling of the vaccine by the user, administration
of the vaccine, the responsiveness of individual birds to the vaccine and whether the directions for use and precautionary
measures are being followed carefully.
The capacity of the vaccine will be reduced or negated by freezing or high temperature and if the directions for use and
precautionary measures are not followed as directed, excessive morbidity and mortality may occur. Consult a poultry
veterinarian or a diagnostic laboratory for proper diagnosis. Inform the veterinarian or the diagnostic laboratory that the
flock has been vaccinated with IMMUCOX®.

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
Eimeria acervulina, E. maxima and E. tenella

STORAGE
Store not over 45°F (7°C). DO NOT FREEZE.

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 LIVE VACCINE

COCCIDIOSIS

APPROVED SPECIES
ϐ Chickens
KEY ADVANTAGES
VACCINE TYPE X Effective vaccination against coccidiosis
ϐ Live, sporulated Eimeria oocysts caused by 5 Eimeria species economically
» Eimeria acervulina important to breeder and layer chickens
» Eimeria maxima X Gel droplet application keeps oocysts
» Eimeria tenella in suspension during application,
» Eimeria nectrix preventing sedimentation of oocysts and
» Eimeria brunetti facilitating a uniform vaccine uptake of
all the species included in the vaccine
DISEASE PROTECTION X Offers a natural and cost-effective
ϐ Coccidiosis caused by the species contained in alternative to anticoccidials
the vaccine

VACCINE PRESENTATION
ϐ Live sporulated oocysts in a liquid suspension

ROUTE OF ADMINISTRATION
ϐ Gel droplet application

AGE OF ADMINISTRATION
ϐ 1-3 Day old chickens

PACKAGING QUALITY
ϐ 10 x 1,000 / 2,000 / 5,000 doses ϐ Thoroughly tested for purity, sterility, potency, and
safety, and compliant with all applicable USDA, CFIA,
ϐ Each vial contains 10 ml liquid
and Ceva standards.

22
 ORAL COCCIDIOSIS VACCINE
Live Oocysts of Eimeria spp.

DESCRIPTION
IMMUCOX® is designed for the purpose of delivering uniformly low doses of live oocysts to chickens to aid in the deve
opment of immunity against coccidiosis. When administered according to the directions (see below) IMMUCOX® can
prevent mortality that is attributable to coccidiosis.

PRECAUTIONS
1. Be sure that no anticoccidial (coccidiostat) is used in the feed. Even a low level of anticoccidial can reduce or negate
the effectiveness of the vaccine.
2. Broad spectrum antibiotics which possess anticoccidial activity (e.g., tetracyclines, sulfa drugs, and nitrofurans) should
not be used together with IMMUCOX for the first 16 days after vaccination.
3. Do not over dose or under dose.
4. If birds are housed in a confined space (e.g., brooding area), they must be released from confinement by the sixth day
post-vaccination or the area must be at least doubled.
5. If in doubt, consult supplier.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Follow the directions carefully.
For 10,000 doses of IMMUCOX® Gel-Droplet
1. Add 70g of gel-spray diluent to 2.5L of distilled water. Mix well with a blender.
2. Shake 10,000 doses of IMMUCOX® vaccine well, pour in and mix with a blender.
3. Vaccinate at 1 day of age (hatch day) to 3 days old at a ratio of 25mL for every 100 birds, through a gel-droplet
machine or device.

CAUTION
The capacity of IMMUCOX® to aid in the development of immunity against coccidiosis in chickens depends upon many
factors. These include, but are not limited to, conditions of storage and handling of the vaccine by the user, administration
of the vaccine, the responsiveness of individual birds to the vaccine and whether the directions for use and precautionary
measures are being followed carefully.
The capacity of the vaccine will be reduced or negated by freezing or high temperature and if the directions for use and
precautionary measures are not followed as directed, excessive morbidity and mortality may occur. Consult a poultry
veterinarian or a diagnostic laboratory for proper diagnosis. Inform the veterinarian or the diagnostic laboratory that the
flock has been vaccinated with IMMUCOX®.

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
Eimeria acervulina, E. maxima, E. tenella, E. necatrix and E. brunetti.

STORAGE
Store not over 45°F (7°C). DO NOT FREEZE.

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 REFERENCES

f Arakawa, A., E. Baba & T. Fukata, 1981. Eimeria tenella infection enhances Salmonella typhimurium infection in
chickens. Poult Sci, 60, 2203-2209.

f Chapman, H.D., 2003. Origins of Coccidiosis Research in the Fowl-The First Fifty Years, Avian Diseases, 47, 1-20.

f Conway, D.P. 1996. Aviax: the new polyether ionophore. In: Proceedings of the Pfizer Pacesetter Conference,
Southeastern Poultry Convention, Atlanta, 15-23.

f Conway, D.P. & M.E. McKenzie, 2007. Poultry Coccidiosis, Diagnostic and Jesjing procedures, 3th ed., Blackwel
publishing, Ames, Iowa, USA.

f Eckman, M.K. 1993. Horizontal vs. vertical health programs in broiler production. Poultry Digest, August, 16-22.

f Hamet, N., J. Josse, B. Robin, & L. Toucas. 1982. Enquete epidemiologique sur las coccidiose du poulet de chair.
Rev l’Alimentation Animale 260.

f McDougald, I.R. & J. Hu, 2001. Blackhead disease/ Histomonas meleagridis/aggravated in broiler chickens by
concurrent infection with cecal coccidiosis /Eimeria tenella/. Avian Dis, 45, 307-312.

f McDougald L.R. & S.H. Fitz-Coy, 2008. Coccidiosis. In: Diseases of Poultry.12th Ed, Saif Y.M., Fadly A.M., Glisson J.R.,

f Obreshkov, K., I. Vasilev, B. Natchev, et al., 1978. Diseases of poultry, Zemizdat, Sofia, pp. 152-159.

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