Coccidiosis - Cattle

Introduction

Eimeria sp. of ruminants - Joaquim Castellà Veterinary Parasitology Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona

Coccidia oocyst from ruminant faeces - Joaquim Castellà Veterinary Parasitology Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona

Coccidiosis is primarily a disease of groups of cattle less than one year old. It often occurs if these groups are housed or kept in unhygienic conditions, as like coccidiosis in other species, coccidiosis in cattle is a disease of over-crowding and poor hygiene. Calves with concurrent infections or ones with poor body condition are also susceptible. Bought-in calves that are then mixed with current stock is one of the primary causes of the disease and clinical signs are usually apparent around a month after this event has occurred.

Infection is usually sporadic, but once immunity has developed it is likely not to recur. During the neonatal period, passive immunity is sufficient, only after this wanes are clinical signs of the disease apparent.

There are many species of coccidia that affect cattle, but Eimeria zuernii, E. bovis and E. alabamensis are by far the most common. E. zuernii is the most pathogenic of these species.

Clinical Signs

All species of coccidia produce diarrhoea or dysentry with notable tenesmus.

Diagnosis

History and clinical signs plus husbandry and signalment of animals is indicative of the disease.

Faecal samples should be taken for faecal floatation and microscopic examination for oocysts. High numbers of oocysts are indicative of clinical disease as small numbers of oocysts are present in all cattle. If the faecal sample is taken after the main oocyst production phase has passed then number will be low even in severely affected animals.

Post mortem examination will reveal diffuse inflammation and thickening of caecal mucosa (and sometimes ileal and colonic mucosa). Scrapings of the mucosa should be taken and viewed microscopically. In an infected animal, masses of gamonts and oocysts will be present in these scrapings.

Treatment and Control

As with all causes of diarrhoea, supportive therapy such as rehydration and electrolyte solutions are necessary.

Anti-coccidial drugs such as diclazuril or sulphonamides should be started once the diagnosis is confirmed and the affected animals should be moved to a clean environment. All in contact cattle should be treated with the same drug, should costs allow.

Control measures focus on improving husbandry to decrease over-crowding, improve hygiene conditions and prevent mixing of newly purchased stock.

Preventative in-feed medication can be supplied such as decoquinate.

Test yourself with the Coccidia Flashcards

Coccidia Flashcards

References

Andrews, A.H, Blowey, R.W, Boyd, H and Eddy, R.G. (2004) Bovine Medicine (Second edition), Blackwell Publishing
Fox, M and Jacobs, D. (2007) Parasitology Study Guide Part 1: Ectoparasites Royal Veterinary College
Radostits, O.M, Arundel, J.H, and Gay, C.C. (2000) Veterinary Medicine: a textbook of the diseases of cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and horses Elsevier Health Sciences