How Does Coccidiosis Affect Poultry Farming, and What Strategies Can Mitigate Its Impact?

Coccidiosis is one of the most devastating parasitic diseases in the poultry industry, causing annual losses exceeding $15 billion worldwide. It is caused by various species of protozoa from the Eimeria genus, which affect the digestive tract of birds, reducing feed efficiency, weight gain, and egg production in laying hens. Despite advances in biosecurity and nutrition, coccidiosis remains a persistent challenge, especially in floor-raised and cage-production systems.

A recent meta-analysis estimated a global prevalence of Eimeria infection in broilers at 44.3%, with E. tenella being the most common species(Badri et al., 2024). The incidence is higher in warm and humid climates, exacerbated by poor management practices, high stocking densities, and inadequate hygiene conditions. In laying hens, coccidiosis impairs nutrient absorption, leading to poor feed conversion rates and reduced egg production (Sharma & Kim, 2024).

Incorporating oligo-elements such as selenium and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) into poultry diets helps mitigate oxidative stress induced by Eimeria, as these compounds strengthen the body’s defense mechanisms. Selenium is a cofactor for antioxidant metabolism enzymes, primarily glutathione peroxidase, which reduces cellular damage caused by free radicals during infection. Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) protects cells from oxidative damage by reducing hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxides to water and alcohol, utilizing glutathione (a tripeptide composed of glutamate, cysteine, and glycine) as a reducing agent.

On the other hand, polyunsaturated fatty acids exhibit anti-inflammatory properties and improve intestinal mucosal integrity, reducing Eimeria proliferation and enhancing nutrient absorption (Sharma & Kim, 2024). In laying hens, omega-3 fatty acid supplementation has been shown to enhance immune responses and decrease infection severity (Muthamilselvan et al., 2016).

Several studies have demonstrated the potential of phytobiotics as alternatives to conventional anticoccidial drugs. Research on plant extracts containing polyalcohols such as carvacrol, thymol, and eugenol has shown improvements in intestinal integrity and feed efficiency in broilers (Muthamilselvan et al., 2016). These compounds have been found to interfere with the Eimeria life cycle while simultaneously modulating the host’s immune response.

The inclusion of phytobiotics in poultry diets has proven to be an effective strategy for mitigating Eimeria’s impact on production. A recent study (Felici et al., 2023) evaluated the effects of these compounds on Eimeria tenella survival and found that they reduced sporozoite invasion in intestinal epithelial cells by up to 55%. Additionally, carvacrol and thymol exhibited significant potential to disrupt parasite cell membranes and reduce viability in the early stages of infection by altering their structure and hindering development. These compounds also have anti-inflammatory properties that help maintain intestinal mucosal integrity and limit parasite proliferation. Furthermore, eugenol has demonstrated immune-modulating effects, reducing inflammation-induced tissue damage (Sharma & Kim, 2024). These polyalcohols have also been shown to decrease the expression of pro-inflammatory interleukins, such as IL-8 and IL-6, contributing to reduced intestinal inflammation and overall improved health.

Artificial intelligence is emerging as a promising tool for monitoring and controlling avian coccidiosis. Machine learning algorithms can analyze patterns in feed consumption, bird movement, feces composition, and other farm anomalies associated with Eimeria infection to detect early outbreaks. AI can also analyze post-mortem and histological images to identify advanced infections, complementing veterinary diagnostics.

Moreover, Internet of Things (IoT) sensors integrated with AI enable continuous monitoring of environmental and health factors, optimizing prevention strategies. As these technologies continue to evolve, integrating predictive models into poultry production could revolutionize disease management. Could AI, much like nutritional strategies, become a key factor in eradicating coccidiosis in the future?