Coccidiosis is a common parasitic disease that affects poultry and other species. It is caused by a parasitic organism that attaches itself to a chicken’s intestinal lining. This parasitic invasion damages the intestinal tract, preventing the host chicken from absorbing nutrients vital to their survival thus chicken will have less nutrients required to sustain their body hence leading to significant weight loss.
Most common signs and symptoms of Coccidiosis in Chicken
- Sure sign is blood in chicken droppings
- Weakness and listlessness.
- Pale comb or skin.
- Decreased food or water consumption.
- Ruffled feathers.
- Weight loss especially in older chickens
- Decreased growth rate in young chickens
Treatment
If one of the birds start showing signs of Coccidiosis, it’s good to treat the whole flock. Anticoccidiostats are the most commonly used drugs especially amprolium remember to use antistress drugs in combination to relieve stress induced from the infection.
Prevention
- Biosecurity is key by maintaining a clean environment in the chicken coop. Wash and disinfect drinkers and feeders using disinfectants which are not harmful to your flock for instance ultraside, biosafe and kupaside choose one of the above.
- Provide clean drinking water and drain any stagnant water in the environment.
- Any new birds brought onto the farm should be quarantined for a minimum of two weeks to prevent introduction of any disease.
- Do not overcrowd birds as stress may induce the disease.
- The poultry house should be kept clean and dry. All drinkers should be raised appropriately so that there is no spillage of water.
- Control movement of people into the farm
- Housing should be waterproof always.