Coccidiosis in poultry

Coccidiosis is a protozoal disease causing diarrhea, ,weight loss and decreased production in poultry. It can be fatal. Prevention is key and is achieved with use of anticoccidials or vaccination. Diagnosis is by fecal flotation to detect oocysts, often in combination with characteristic necropsy findings. Coccidiosis is caused by protozoa of the phylum Apicomplexa, family Eimeriidae. Most species affecting poultry belong to the genus Eimeria and infect various intestinal sites. The disease course is rapid (4–7 days) and is characterized by parasite replication in host cells with extensive damage to intestinal mucosa. Coccidia in poultry are generally host-specific, and the different species infect specific portions of the intestine. However, in game birds, including quail, the coccidia may infect the entire intestinal tract. In poultry, game birds reared in captivity, and wild birds, coccidiosis occurs worldwide.