DVM Hugfiye

𝗖𝗢𝗖𝗖𝗜𝗗𝗜𝗢𝗦𝗜𝗦

𝗢𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗡𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘀:- Avian Coccidiosis 🐓

Coccidiosis is the clinical illness caused by infection with the protozoan parasite genus 𝗘𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮 (𝗖𝗼𝗰𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗶𝗮).
Most of these parasites invade the chicken’s intestinal tract, but some invade other organs, such as the liver and kidney.
Chickens become infected by ingesting sporulated oocysts (coccidia "eggs") from the surrounding environment.

▪️When chickens are exposed to Eimeria early on, as long as there are not excessive levels present in the environment, they will usually develop a natural immunity, without any treatment necessary. However, if their immune system is lowered due to infection with another disease, stress, or exposure to a new species of Eimeria, they may develop coccidiosis. Large numbers of Eimeria cause damage to the bird's intestinal lining, resulting in leakage of proteins, including plasma into the bowel. This causes a disruption of digestive processes or nutrient absorption, dehydration, anemia, and increased susceptibility to other disease agents.

⭕𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻𝘀

One of the first signs of coccidiosis is
➪ reduced feed and water consumption,
➪ resulting in slower growth.
➪The bird will be less active and often goes off on their own and appears hunched up with ruffled feathers.
➪Other signs include a change in the appearance of their droppings, which may be runny and an off-color, or tinged with blood.

𝗗𝗮𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘀🧪
Coccidiosis is diagnosed in chickens through a f***l test on the chicken's droppings. Eimeria eggs can be identified when the f***s is looked at with a microscope. A Complete Blood Count (CBC) may show decreased red blood cell and total protein level counts in affected birds.

𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 💊💉

Treatment of coccidiosis involves several important components:
𝗔𝗺𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗼𝗰𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗴𝗲𝗻𝘁:- . It is initially important to control the coccidia with an anticoccidial agent such as amprolium or toltrazuril, in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations.

𝗔𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀:- It is important to control secondary bacterial growth by concurrently administering antimicrobials such as tylosin or amoxicillin. When coccidiosis damages the intestinal wall, it leaves the bird more at risk of developing secondary infections, such as necrotic enteritis.

𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲 :- It is very important to keep the bird hydrated and comfortable. Environmental/Management Changes. Slow down oocyst sporulation within the environment where birds live by regularly cleaning the area where chickens live, by removal of the f***s and soiled bedding, ensuring it is kept dry (perhaps install better drainage or roof to prevent rain), and/or rotate birds to different areas often. Do not overcrowd birds.
Dvm Hugfiye