Difference between revisions of "Coccidiosis - Poultry"

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[[Coccidia - Poultry]]
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== Introduction  ==
 
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[[Image:Buff orpington.jpg|thumb|right|150px]] [[Image:Eimeria Sporulated.jpg|thumb|right|150px]]
 
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Coccidiosis is a disease of poultry which is of worldwide importance, both economically and for animal welfare reasons. It is a disease of over-crowding and poor hygiene, hence it is prevalent in intensive chicken farming globally, however, it can affect birds in any facilities. Although outbreaks of the disease are not common, [[:Category:Coccidia|coccidia]] remains in most flocks as a subclinical disease, which in times of stress can establish into a clinical disease. Many commercial units now use prophylactic drugs in order to try to control the disease.
 
  
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Domestic poultry and birds are affected by [[:Category:Coccidia|coccidia]] called [[Eimeria spp.|''Eimeria'']]. Different species of ''Eimeria'' that effect poultry are host-specific – meaning that a species that infects chickens does not infect turkeys and vice versa.
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'''Pathogenesis'''
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*7 important ''[[Eimeria spp.|Eimeria]]'' species
  
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Nine species of ''Eimeria'' infect chickens. The most important species in broiler production include ''Eimeria tenella'' (90%), ''E. maxima, E. acervulina'', and ''E. mivati''; the species important in breeder and egg-layers are ''E. burnetti'' and ''E. necatrix''. There are 4 '''malabsorptive''' species, which range from low to moderate pathogenicity and 3 '''haemorrhagic''' species, which are all highly pathogenic. All seven species have different predilection sites in the alimentary system and cause unique pathological changes.
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*4 malabsorptive species
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**''[[Eimeria spp.|Eimeria]] acervulina'' which is moderately pathogenic
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**''[[Eimeria spp.|Eimeria]] maxima'' which is moderately pathogenic
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**''[[Eimeria spp.|Eimeria]] mitis'' which has low pathogenicity
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**''[[Eimeria spp.|Eimeria]] praecox'' which has low pathogenicity
  
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Seven species infect turkeys – the big three of concern are ''Eimeria meleagrimitis, E. adenoeides,'' and ''E. gallapovonis''.  
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*3 haemorrhagic species
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**''[[Eimeria spp.|Eimeria]] tenella''
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**''[[Eimeria spp.|Eimeria]] necatrix''
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**''[[Eimeria spp.|Eimeria]] brunetti''
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**All highly pathogenic
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**Form large sub-epithelial second generation schizonts at the base of intestinal crypts
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**Deep eruptions form when cells rupture to release merozoites
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**Destruction of crypt stem cells and marked haemorrhage
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**Blood stained faeces
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**High morbidity and high mortality
  
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Currently 13 species of coccidia have been reported in ducks but only certain species have been researched. ''Eimeria, Wenyonella'' or ''Tyzzeria'' genuses are found in wild and farmed birds.
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'''Diagnosis'''
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*Post-mortem diagnosis of lesion severity
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**Region of intestine affected
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**Appearance of lesion
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**Presence or absence of haemorrhage
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**Size of schizonts and oocysts found in mucosal scrapings
  
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There are three main species of coccidia in pheasants, all three of which fall into the ''Eimeria'' genus.
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*''[[Eimeria spp.|Eimeria]] acervulina''  
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**Proximal gut
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**Thickening of walls
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**'White ladder lesions' produced by dense foci of gamonts and oocysts
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**Watery exudate
  
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In Geese, there are two strains ''Eimeria truncata'' and ''E. anseris'', which are of most pathogenic importance, with the latter causing intestinal disease and ''E. truncata'' causing renal coccidiosis.
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*''[[Eimeria spp.|Eimeria]] maxima''
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**Mid-gut
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**Thickening of walls
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**Pink exudate
  
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Coccidia have a direct life cycle, with a one week prepatent period. After oocysts are ingested, sporozoites are released which penetrate the intestinal epithelium and 2 asexual phases of multiplication called schizogony occur followed by a phase of sexual multiplication called gametogony. The zygote develops into an oocyst which is then shed in the faeces. An oocyst measures around 20-30μm and for each oocyst ingested, thousands are shed. The life cycle is '''self-limiting '''and organisms from a single infection go through the sequence of developmental stages synchronously. Organisms leave the body simultaneously as oocysts. Oocysts are only infective once they have sporulated and sporulation requires warmth, moisture and oxygen; this will take around 2-3 days in broiler houses.
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*''[[Eimeria spp.|Eimeria]] tenella''
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**Swollen [[Caecum - Anatomy & Physiology|caeca]]
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**Thickening of wall
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**Dark colouring containing a core of necrotic tissue and blood
  
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===Epidemiology===
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*Lesion scoring is the best method of diagnosing the severity of the lesions and therefore the causative ''[[Eimeria spp.|Eimeria]]'' species
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Oocysts are ubiquitous and robust and can survive several months to several years in the environment, meaning it is almost impossible to keep buildings free from infection. Even with strong disinfection after every batch has gone, the new chicks will become infected by pecking the ground shortly after being placed in the poultry house.<br>The biotic potential is enormous and generation time is short, meaning infections can build up rapidly. Immunity however, develops slowly and certain species of ''Eimeria'' will inflict a faster immune response and longer lasting immunity than others.
 
  
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== Clinical Signs  ==
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*''[[Eimeria spp.|Eimeria]] necatrix''
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**Mid-gut
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**Ballooning of wall
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**White spots and petechiae forming 'salt and pepper' lesions
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**Haemorrhage into lumen
  
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Depends on the pathogenicity of the coccidia involved and the concurrent health status of the chicken.  
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'''Immunity'''
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*Different ''[[Eimeria spp.|Eimeria]]'' species produce different levels of protective immunity
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**''E.maxima'' -> ''E.brunetti'' and ''E.acervulina'' -> ''E.tenella'' and ''E.necatrix''
  
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In most poultry animals, severe enteritis is the main clinical symptom. Haemorrhagic diarrhoea is seen with the most pathological strains of the disease along with mucoid discharge. Weight loss, general malaise, reduced appetite and depression are other common signs. Sudden death can occur, often in younger birds. Morbidity is usually very high but mortality is variable. In geese, renal coccidiosis can occur and signs include severe depression such as reduced appetite and huddling, emaciation and diarrhoea. Mortality rates are high, however, birds that recover from the infection remain strongly resistant to it for life.
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*There is no cross immunity between species
  
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== Diagnosis  ==
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*There is very little passive immunity
  
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Clinical signs and history are usually enough to make a presumptive diagnosis. However, as clinical signs can vary, the most useful diagnostic tool is a necropsy on a recently dead bird that has been sacrificed for this purpose. A bird that has died naturally and has been dead for over one hour will make post mortem examination difficult due to post mortem changes in the intestinal mucosa. Observation of caseous core lesions in the caecum and sloughing of the intestinal walls will strengthen a presumptive diagnosis. A sample of mucosa should be taken for examination under the microscope in order to identify oocysts, which will confirm the diagnosis. Specific identification of genus of coccidia is not required as treatment is the same for all.
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*Evokes a cell-mediated response
  
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The presence of coccidia and mild lesions are present in most young birds between the age of 3 - 6 weeks of age but do not mean the bird has clinical coccidiosis. The severity of the lesions should determine a diagnosis of coccidiosis being made.
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*All ages of poultry are susceptible
  
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Lesions and their location vary depending on which ''Eimeria'' genus is causing the disease:
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'''Epidemiology'''
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*Oocysts are ubiquitous and robust
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**Able to survive several months to years
  
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:''Eimeria acervulina:'' proximal gut, thickened walls, 'white ladder lesions' produced by dense foci of gamonts and oocysts and a watery exudate are likely to be found in this case.
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*It is impossible to keep buildings free from infection
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:''Eimeria maxima: ''mid-gut, thickened walls and a pink exudate with this coccidia.
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**Chicks become infected by pecking the ground shortly after being placed in the poultry house
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:''Eimeria tenella: ''swollen [[Caecum - Anatomy & Physiology|caeca]], thickened intestinal walls, dark colouring of damaged intestine containing a core of necrotic tissue and blood.
 
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:''Eimeria necatrix: ''mid-gut, the wall will show 'ballooning', white spots and petechiae form characteristic 'salt and pepper' lesions and there will be haemorrhage into the lumen.
 
  
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As well is post mortem examination of gross lesions, scrapings of the mucosa should be taken for examination under the microscope. The number of oocysts should be counted and examined for shape and size to aid identification.
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*Biotic potential is enormous
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**Generation time is short
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**Massive infections can build up rapidly
  
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*Immunity develops relatively slowly
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**With high stocking densities the situation is explosive
  
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== Treatment and Control ==
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'''Control'''
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*Chemical
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**Intensive poultry production is largely dependent on the use of anticoccidial drugs
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**For more information see [[Anti-Protozoal Drugs|here]]
  
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Control is dependent on hygiene and good husbandry, such as disinfection of housing and good ventilation. It is important to prevent wild birds entering the housing or defaecating in the housing as this is a common cause of spread of the disease.
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*[[Vaccines|Vaccines]]
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**Paracox
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***Multivalent attenuated [[Vaccines#What antigen(s) do we use in the vaccine?|live vaccine]] for replacement layers and broilers
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***Contains 7 live strains of ''[[Eimeria spp.|Eimeria]]''
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***Lack the most pathogenic life cycle stage making the prepatent period shorter
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***Known as '''precocious''' strains
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***Chicks [[Vaccines|vaccinated]] on a single occasion when 1-9 days old through oocyst suspension in the feed or water
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***[[Vaccines|Vaccinated]] birds have sub-optimal growth rates so is not used for broilers
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**Paracox 5
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***Contains 5 strains of the most pathogenic ''[[Eimeria spp.|Eimeria]]''
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***Used for broilers
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***Sprayed onto the first feed offered to new batches of chicks
  
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If an outbreak does occur, treatment is usually with sulphonamides. Other anit-coccidial drugs have varying degrees of safety and efficacy in different poultry species.
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*Integrated control
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**Careful management is needed so in-feed prophylaxis and [[Vaccines|vaccination]] do not fail
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**Remove litter and thoroughly clean houses in between crops
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***Optimum turn-around time is 10 days
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**Use the lowest stocking density which is compatible with economic production
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**Water bowls, roofs and walls should be well maintained to prevent litter becoming damp
 +
**Stress factors should be avoided and adequate nutrition provided
  
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Prevention of this disease is much more valuable than treatment should an outbreak occur. In commercial poultry farms, many measures are undertaken to control the disease. Intensive poultry production is largely dependent on the use of anticoccidial drugs, as well as strict hygiene controls.  
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==Literature Search==
 +
[[File:CABI logo.jpg|left|90px]]
  
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For more information see [[Anti-Protozoal Drugs|antiprotozoal drugs]].
 
  
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'''Layers''':
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Use these links to find recent scientific publications via CAB Abstracts (log in required unless accessing from a subscribing organisation).
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<br>[Vaccines|Vaccines]] are used for laying hens as these have a longer life span than broilers so will develop an immunity. Paracox 7 vaccine is a multivalent attenuated live vaccine for replacement layers, which contains 7 live strains of ''[[Eimeria spp.|Eimeria]]. ''These live strains lack the most pathogenic life cycle stage making the prepatent period shorter. These are known as '''precocious''' strains.
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<br><br><br>
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[http://www.cabi.org/cabdirect/FullTextPDF/2009/20093257328.pdf '''Coccidiosis in poultry: review on diagnosis, control, prevention and interaction with overall gut health.''' Gussem, M. de; World's Poultry Science Association (WPSA), Beekbergen, Netherlands, World Poultry Science Association, Proceedings of the 16th European Symposium on Poultry Nutrition, Strasbourg, France, 26-30 August, 2007, 2007, pp 253-261, 36 ref. - '''Full Text Article''']
  
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Chicks are vaccinated on a single occasion when they are 1-9 days old through oocyst suspension in the feed or water. For a short period, vaccinated birds have sub-optimal growth rates so this is why they are not used for broilers.
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== Test yourself with the Coccidia Flashcards  ==
  
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'''Broilers''':
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[[Coccidia Flashcards|Coccidia Flashcards]]
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<br>As broilers have a much shorted life span than laying hens, vaccination is not the most economical option in this case.
 
  
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The continuous use of a single anti-coccidial drug from day one of life through to slaughter is used. As the broiler does not live for long, immunity would not have time to develop so providing anti-coccidial drugs on a constant basis controls the disease well.
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[[Category:Coccidia]] [[Category:Alimentary_Diseases - Birds]] [[Category:To_Do_-_Clinical]]
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Some producers will use the 'dual' or 'shuttle' method, which follows the same basis of using anti-coccidials constantly, but two or three different drugs are given throughout the chickens' life; e.g. one drug in the starter, a different one in the grower and another in the finisher. This is thought to control coccidia more efficiently as it will reduce the resistance build up to one drug.
 
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A vaccine called Paracox 5, which contains 5 strains of the most pathogenic ''[[Eimeria spp.|Eimeria]] ''can be used for broilers. It is sprayed onto the first feed offered to new batches of chicks and will provide integrated control. Careful management throughout is required so in-feed prophylaxis and [[Vaccines|vaccination]] do not fail.
 
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'''Strict hygiene measures''' in both layers and broilers is needed to control coccidia. Litter should be removed and the housing thoroughly disinfected between crops. The ideal turnaround should be no less than 10 days, but this often is impracticable for economic reasons. Over-crowding exacerbates coccidiosis, so the lowest stocking density which is compatible with economic production should be used.<br>Water bowls, roofs and walls should be well maintained to prevent litter becoming damp and stress factors should be avoided and adequate nutrition provided.
 
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Should an outbreak occur, treatment with anti-coccidial drugs, such as sulphonamides, diclazuril, decoquinate and monensin should be administered into the drinking water with immediate effect. The farm's control measures should then be examined and reviewed.
 
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{{Learning
 
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|flashcards = [[Coccidia Flashcards|Coccidia Flashcards]]
 
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|videos = [[Video: Chicken Caeca Infected with Eimeria tenella|Chicken Caeca Infected with Eimeria tenella potcast]]
 
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|full text = [http://www.cabi.org/cabdirect/FullTextPDF/2009/20093257328.pdf '''Coccidiosis in poultry: review on diagnosis, control, prevention and interaction with overall gut health.''' Gussem, M. de; World's Poultry Science Association (WPSA), Beekbergen, Netherlands, World Poultry Science Association, Proceedings of the 16th European Symposium on Poultry Nutrition, Strasbourg, France, 26-30 August, 2007, 2007, pp 253-261, 36 ref.]
 
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}}
 
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== References  ==
 
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Fox, M and Jacobs, D. (2007) '''Parasitology Study Guide Part 1: Ectoparasites''''' Royal Veterinary College''
 
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Merck &amp; Co (2008) '''The Merck Veterinary Manual''' (Eighth Edition) ''Merial''
 
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Jordan, F, Pattison, M, Alexander, D, Faragher, T, (1999) '''Poultry Diesease''' (Fifth edition) ''W.B. Saunders''
 
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Randell, C.J, (1985) '''Disease of the Domestic Fowl and Turkey''', ''Wolfe Medical Publication Ltd''
 
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Saif, Y.M, (2008) '''Disease of Poultry''' (Twelfth edition) ''Blackwell Publishing''
 
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{{review}}
 
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{{OpenPages}}
 
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[[Category:Coccidia]] [[Category:Avian_Parasites]] [[Category:Alimentary Diseases - Birds]][[Category:Expert_Review - Bird]]
 

Revision as of 16:52, 24 January 2011

Coccidia - Poultry

Pathogenesis

  • 4 malabsorptive species
    • Eimeria acervulina which is moderately pathogenic
    • Eimeria maxima which is moderately pathogenic
    • Eimeria mitis which has low pathogenicity
    • Eimeria praecox which has low pathogenicity
  • 3 haemorrhagic species
    • Eimeria tenella
    • Eimeria necatrix
    • Eimeria brunetti
    • All highly pathogenic
    • Form large sub-epithelial second generation schizonts at the base of intestinal crypts
    • Deep eruptions form when cells rupture to release merozoites
    • Destruction of crypt stem cells and marked haemorrhage
    • Blood stained faeces
    • High morbidity and high mortality

Diagnosis

  • Post-mortem diagnosis of lesion severity
    • Region of intestine affected
    • Appearance of lesion
    • Presence or absence of haemorrhage
    • Size of schizonts and oocysts found in mucosal scrapings
  • Eimeria acervulina
    • Proximal gut
    • Thickening of walls
    • 'White ladder lesions' produced by dense foci of gamonts and oocysts
    • Watery exudate
  • Eimeria maxima
    • Mid-gut
    • Thickening of walls
    • Pink exudate
  • Eimeria tenella
    • Swollen caeca
    • Thickening of wall
    • Dark colouring containing a core of necrotic tissue and blood
  • Lesion scoring is the best method of diagnosing the severity of the lesions and therefore the causative Eimeria species
  • Eimeria necatrix
    • Mid-gut
    • Ballooning of wall
    • White spots and petechiae forming 'salt and pepper' lesions
    • Haemorrhage into lumen

Immunity

  • Different Eimeria species produce different levels of protective immunity
    • E.maxima -> E.brunetti and E.acervulina -> E.tenella and E.necatrix
  • There is no cross immunity between species
  • There is very little passive immunity
  • Evokes a cell-mediated response
  • All ages of poultry are susceptible

Epidemiology

  • Oocysts are ubiquitous and robust
    • Able to survive several months to years
  • It is impossible to keep buildings free from infection
    • Chicks become infected by pecking the ground shortly after being placed in the poultry house
  • Biotic potential is enormous
    • Generation time is short
    • Massive infections can build up rapidly
  • Immunity develops relatively slowly
    • With high stocking densities the situation is explosive

Control

  • Chemical
    • Intensive poultry production is largely dependent on the use of anticoccidial drugs
    • For more information see here
  • Vaccines
    • Paracox
      • Multivalent attenuated live vaccine for replacement layers and broilers
      • Contains 7 live strains of Eimeria
      • Lack the most pathogenic life cycle stage making the prepatent period shorter
      • Known as precocious strains
      • Chicks vaccinated on a single occasion when 1-9 days old through oocyst suspension in the feed or water
      • Vaccinated birds have sub-optimal growth rates so is not used for broilers
    • Paracox 5
      • Contains 5 strains of the most pathogenic Eimeria
      • Used for broilers
      • Sprayed onto the first feed offered to new batches of chicks
  • Integrated control
    • Careful management is needed so in-feed prophylaxis and vaccination do not fail
    • Remove litter and thoroughly clean houses in between crops
      • Optimum turn-around time is 10 days
    • Use the lowest stocking density which is compatible with economic production
    • Water bowls, roofs and walls should be well maintained to prevent litter becoming damp
    • Stress factors should be avoided and adequate nutrition provided

Literature Search

CABI logo.jpg


Use these links to find recent scientific publications via CAB Abstracts (log in required unless accessing from a subscribing organisation).


Coccidiosis in poultry: review on diagnosis, control, prevention and interaction with overall gut health. Gussem, M. de; World's Poultry Science Association (WPSA), Beekbergen, Netherlands, World Poultry Science Association, Proceedings of the 16th European Symposium on Poultry Nutrition, Strasbourg, France, 26-30 August, 2007, 2007, pp 253-261, 36 ref. - Full Text Article

Test yourself with the Coccidia Flashcards

Coccidia Flashcards

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