Coccidiosis is the term applied to the diseased condition caused by infection with one or more of the many species of Coccidia. It is a very common disease in chicken. There are two species of coccidiosis in chicken such as caecalcoccidiosis and intestinal coccidiosis. The disease is more common in growing chicken upto 7 month of age, but older chicken may harbour the infection in chronic form.
Signs and Symptoms in Chicken
- Huddling together and sometimes chicken stand aloof in corner as they suffer from abdominal pain
- Ruffled feathers, drooping of wings
- Pale and droopy plumage
- Faeces streaked with blood or reddish brown in colour
- Severe loss of body weight
Steps for Prevention and Control
- Proper cleaning and disinfectant of all feeder, water trough and other equipment and appliances of chicken shed
- Proper disposal of death birds and used litter material
- Keep the shed airy and well ventilated, regular turning of litter and weekly changing of litter material
- Sufficient floor space for every chicken and overcrowding should be avoided
- Immediate isolation of the diseased chicken from the healthy flock
- Regular supplement of vitamin and mineral mixture in the diet
- Once a month use anti-coccidostat drug
- Periodical faecal examination for any endo- parasitic eggs
Veterinary Hospital Kohima
(Issued in public interest)
