Vetnews September 2023: Coccidiosis in poultry

Introduction

Coccidiosis is a protozoal disease caused by protozoa of the phylum Apicomplexa, family Eimeriidae. In the USA broiler industry, it is considered the most prevalent disease affecting the industry. Coccidiosis is a common issue for broiler producers worldwide and is estimated to result in global costs of more than $3 billion annually through prevention, treatment and production losses. The life cycle is direct and involves oral ingestion of the infective sporulated oocyst, asexual and sexual reproduction in the host, and the completion of a new generation of oocysts 4 - 7 days later. The Eimeria parasites replicate in the host cells and cause extensive damage to the intestinal mucosa. Symptoms include diarrhoea, weight loss and decreased production in poultry. It is potentially fatal.