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==Introduction==
==Introduction==
[[Image:Eimeria leukarti horse.jpg|thumb|right|150px|''Eimeria leukarti'' - Joaquim Castellà Veterinary Parasitology Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona]]
Equine coccidiosis is an infection of the intestinal tract of equids by [[:Category:Protozoa|protozoa]] of the genera [[Eimeria spp.|''Eimeria'']]. Horses may be infected by 3 species of ''Eimeria''; ''Eimeria leukarti'', ''E. solipedum'' and ''E. uniungulsti''. The most common coccidial oocyst identified in equine faeces is that of ''E. leukarti''. The prepatent period of infection by the protozoa is 16-35 days. Infection follows the ingestion of sporulated oocysts in contaminated food or water. After exposure to bile in the small intestine, the oocysts excyst and individual sporozoites emerge. Oocysts, released as the final product of the sexual reproductive cycle are shed in the faeces and are infective to new hosts. [[:Category:Coccidia|Coccidia]] are a common incidental finding in normal foals aged 30-125 days and suggest that this organism does not cause clinical signs in foals.
Equine coccidiosis is an infection of the intestinal tract of equids by [[:Category:Protozoa|protozoa]] of the genera [[Eimeria spp.|''Eimeria'']]. Horses may be infected by 3 species of ''Eimeria''; ''Eimeria leukarti'', ''E. solipedum'' and ''E. uniungulsti''. The most common coccidial oocyst identified in equine faeces is that of ''E. leukarti''. The prepatent period of infection by the protozoa is 16-35 days. Infection follows the ingestion of sporulated oocysts in contaminated food or water. After exposure to bile in the small intestine, the oocysts excyst and individual sporozoites emerge. Oocysts, released as the final product of the sexual reproductive cycle are shed in the faeces and are infective to new hosts. [[:Category:Coccidia|Coccidia]] are a common incidental finding in normal foals aged 30-125 days and suggest that this organism does not cause clinical signs in foals.
==Diagnosis==
==Diagnosis==
A diagnosis of coccidiosis is made by detection of oocysts in the faeces using faecal flotation. A solution of saturated sugar or sodium nitrate solution is used. Oocysts are approximately 12μm in diameter and are identified by their dark brown colour and thick-walled, ovoid shape. They also contain a prominent micropyle on the narrower end.
A diagnosis of coccidiosis is made by detection of oocysts in the faeces using faecal flotation. A solution of saturated sugar or sodium nitrate solution is used. Oocysts are approximately 12μm in diameter and are identified by their dark brown colour and thick-walled, ovoid shape. They also contain a prominent micropyle on the narrower end.
==Treatment==
==Treatment==