Coccidiosis in chickens: symptoms, prevention and treatment

Studies have shown that the prevalence of coccidiosis infection in chickens increases during warm and humid seasons. This is likely due to the fact that parasites require warm temperatures and moisture to survive and spread. Therefore, from the warming of spring until the autumn cold, special attention should be paid to the HEALTH of your bird and appropriate management practices should be implemented to prevent or minimize the occurrence of coccidiosis.

The life cycle of protozoa is similar to that of other parasites: it begins with oocysts (eggs) and spreads in the droppings of infected birds. Then a healthy chicken may inadvertently ingest the oocysts, then it all depends on the case. Some will be carriers of coccidiosis, while others will get sick. The Eimeria parasite infects flock members when introduced into the population of diseased birds or carriers, and can be transmitted from wild birds.

However, strains of coccidiosis are rarely transmitted between two different species. It is mainly manifested by a species-specific strain. In other words, it is unlikely that you will get coccidiosis from your birds.

But it is necessary to fight coccidiosis in chickens. Coccidia parasites are resistant to environmental stress and can survive for months in litter on the floor of a poultry house.

Symptoms of coccidiosis in chickens

Clinical signs of coccidiosis in chickens vary depending on the severity of the infection. Common symptoms include poor growth rate, decreased feed intake, diarrhea (which may be bloody) and increased mortality. Young birds are especially susceptible to coccidiosis and may die suddenly without any signs of illness.

An easy way to identify coccidiosis in chickens is to observe the litter and closely inspect the eggs. Blood in the litter and on the eggs is the first sign of coccidiosis. If ruffled feathers, rapid loss of weight and appetite, lethargy, pale combs are added to this, this is probably the disease in birds.

Treatment of coccidiosis

There are several types of anticoccidial drugs for the treatment and prevention of coccidiosis in chickens. Some of these drugs include monensin, salinomycin, narasin, and decoquinate, which are added to chicken feed or water.

Medicines containing 25% nicarbazine can be mixed with the feed and given prophylactically until the expiration date, when coccidiosis is usually a concern.

These drugs interfere with the life cycle of the parasite and prevent it from multiplying in the intestines. However, it is important to use them with caution, as overuse or misuse can lead to the development of drug-resistant strains of the parasite. Be sure to check with your veterinarian!

In addition, vaccination with attenuated or inactivated vaccines may provide long-term immunity against coccidiosis.

Prevention of coccidiosis in chickens

As with many things, prevention is better than cure. And she is simple. Proper hygiene and housing practices such as adequate ventilation, dry and clean bedding, and lack of crowding will help reduce the risk of infection.

Keeping the chicken coop and surrounding area clean is extremely important, as the parasite thrives in a damp and dirty environment. If you use the deep litter method, then it is better to temporarily abandon it if there are signs of coccidiosis.

Of the beautiful folk methods, prophylactic grazing of chickens on echinacea or the addition of this plant to the diet is known. Echinacea contains compounds that stimulate the active production of white blood cells, which are responsible for fighting bacteria, viruses, and other harmful pathogens. Echinacea is an attractive and very hardy perennial that is planted in the spring and benefits from fertilization with rotted chicken manure. After the echinaceas have taken root, they are pruned in the spring before new growth begins, chopped and mixed into the feed as a start in the prevention of coccidiosis. Echinacea flowers are usually harvested in late summer or early autumn, when the petals are fully opened, and harvested for chickens for the winter.

More prosaic options that do not require any planting at all, dandelion and nettle. Both weeds are useful and recommended for chicken health supplements.

The miracle of APPLE cider vinegar is also used by chicken owners. It is believed that the acid content of apple cider vinegar creates an unfavorable environment for the growth of coccidia in the intestines of poultry. For drinking, mix one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar per liter of water.