Coccidiosis

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Coccidiosis in Poultry

Introduction

Coccidiosis is one of the most common diseases in poultry. It’s caused by tiny parasites called
Eimeria that live and multiply in a bird's intestines. These organisms produce tiny eggs, called
oocysts, that can survive in the environment, especially in soil, litter, or droppings. Birds pick up
the disease when they eat or drink anything contaminated with these oocysts. These parasites can
spread quickly in a flock, especially in crowded or dirty conditions. If not controlled, coccidiosis
can lead to poor growth, reduced egg production, or even death in birds.

Symptoms of Coccidiosis

The symptoms depend on how severe the infection is.

Mild Symptoms:

o Birds may eat and drink less.


o They appear weak or tired.
o Feathers become ruffled and untidy.
Severe Symptoms:

o Watery or bloody diarrhea.


o Loss of weight and poor growth.
o Pale combs and wattles (due to blood loss).
o Death, especially in young or weak birds.
You might notice that affected birds huddle together, stay inactive, or isolate themselves from the
rest of the flock.

Types of Coccidiosis

Different types of coccidiosis depend on the specific Eimeria parasite and the part of the intestines
it affects:

1. Intestinal Coccidiosis:

o Damages the small intestine, causing difficulty in digesting food.


o Common parasites: Eimeria acervulina, Eimeria maxima, Eimeria necatrix.

2. Cecal Coccidiosis:

o Damages the ceca (two small pouches in the intestine).

o Common parasite: Eimeria tenella, known for causing bloody droppings.

3. Hepatic Coccidiosis (rare):

o Affects the liver, mainly seen in geese.

o Caused by Eimeria truncata

Causes of Coccidiosis

The disease occurs when conditions favor the growth and spread of oocysts:

• Dirty environments: Wet and soiled litter creates ideal conditions for oocysts to grow.

• Crowding: When too many birds are kept together, they are more likely to step in
droppings and spread the disease.

• Warm and humid weather: This helps the oocysts mature and become infectious.

• Weak immunity: Young birds or birds under stress are more likely to get sick.

How to Control Coccidiosis

Coccidiosis is preventable with good management practices:

1. Keep the Area Clean:

o Clean the poultry house regularly.

o Disinfect feeders, drinkers, and other equipment.

2. Dry and Fresh Litter:

o Change litter often to keep it dry. Wet litter is the perfect place for oocysts to grow.

3. Provide Enough Space:

o Avoid overcrowding to reduce the chances of disease spread.


4. Vaccinate the Flock:

o Vaccines with live weakened Eimeria parasites can protect birds by helping them
build immunity.

5. Use Anti-Coccidial Drugs:

o Add drugs like amprolium or toltrazuril to feed or water to prevent or treat the
disease. Rotate these drugs regularly to avoid resistance.

Prevention Tips

Prevention is better than cure! Here’s how you can stop coccidiosis before it starts:

• Feed a Balanced Diet: Strong, healthy birds are less likely to get sick.

• Use Probiotics: These help keep the gut healthy and fight off infections.

• Proper Ventilation: Keep air moving in the poultry house to reduce humidity.

• Quarantine New Birds: Isolate new or sick birds before introducing them to the flock.

Treatment for Coccidiosis

If your birds get sick, act quickly:

1. Anti-Coccidial Medications:

o Drugs like amprolium or sulfa-based medicines can kill the parasites.

o Follow the vet’s instructions for the correct dosage and duration.

2. Supportive Care:

o Provide clean water with added electrolytes to rehydrate the birds.

o Give vitamins to boost their strength and recovery.

3. Seek Veterinary Help:

o If the disease is severe, consult a vet for proper diagnosis and treatment.

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