Coccidiosis manifests itself in birds that become infected as a result of ingesting sporulated oocysts from different species of Eimeria. Only sporulated oocysts are infectious, and the sporulation process requires specific environmental conditions.  

These factors are crucial for the prevention of coccidiosis. Because with good practices, such as adequate ventilation and effective management of the drinking troughs, it is possible to keep the litter in the barns with a lower moisture content and stop the accelerated sporulation of the oocysts, thus reducing the number of sporulated oocysts.   

To complement the work, antimicrobials or antiprotozoals have also been used for decades to prevent and treat coccidiosis. 

Mycotoxins: a critical factor in coccidiosis in poultry 

Mycotoxins present in poultry feed, even at permitted levels, tend to aggravate the incidence of coccidiosis in chickens, ducks and turkeys, as they can facilitate the colonization of Eimeria in the intestine.   

Experts recommend strict feed control as a strategy. Deoxynivalenol and fumonisins, for example, interfere with various vital cellular functions that act to protect against pathogens such as Eimeria.  

Most common coccidiosis prevention and treatment methods 

Coccidicides for short life cycles  

Due to the short life cycle of a broiler, the most commonly used coccidiosis prevention program aims to completely eliminate Eimeria from the bird’s intestine through the use of anticoccidials administered in the feed.  

Its prophylactic use is preferable because most of the damage caused by Eimeria occurs before the signs appear, making it difficult to control an outbreak of the disease with coccidiosis additives. 

Coccidiostats for long life cycles  

For breeders and layers, which have a longer life cycle, the aim is usually to develop a protective immunity in the animals.

This allows for minimal exposure to the protozoa and the use of coccidiostats to interrupt the development of the parasites. Thus striking a balance between intestinal damage and the minimal exposure necessary for the development of immunity.   

The weaknesses of using only these methods for avian coccidiosis are:  

When producers discontinue coccidiostats, infectious parasites can resume their life cycle and cause clinical manifestations of the disease.

Continuous use of anticoccidial additives for coccidiosis in poultry (both anticoccidial additives/coccidiostatic additives) may favor the emergence of resistant strains of coccidia.  

Producers implement different coccidiosis treatment programs to address these concerns. For example, a common practice to eliminate parasites that have shown resistance to a single antimicrobial is to use rotating programs of anticoccidials that alternate during different periods of the bird’s life.  

Natural immunity and species specificity 

Natural immunity is generated following Eimeria infections in birds. However, it is important to note that it is acquired gradually and is not complete until the birds are 7 weeks old – 42 days of critical risk.   

Immunosuppressive diseases, such as Marek’s disease and infectious bursal disease (IBD), interfere with the development of immunity, making infected birds more susceptible to coccidiosis. 

It is also important to note that immunity is specific to each of the Eimeria species and there is no cross-protection between species, with the exception of cross-protection between E. maxima and E. brunetti. 

Conclusion 

The prevention and treatment of coccidiosis in poultry is essential to maintaining the health and productivity of their farms. Implementing the right practices and choosing the most efficient methods can significantly reduce the impact of this disease. To achieve this, producers must carefully plan and adapt the approach to the specific conditions of each production.
 

Want to discover more strategies and deepen your knowledge of natural alternatives?   

Don’t miss the second part of this series, where we explore in detail natural and combined strategies for treating coccidiosis in poultry.   

Your proactivity can make all the difference!