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How to keep your chickens safe from coccidiosis
Coccidiosis causes a global loss of over 2.2 billion euros in the poultry industry. This includes medication, reduced performance and replacement of chicks.
By taking biosecurity measures you can prevent the introduction of the disease at your farm or take steps to eradicate it and improve performance.
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What is causing coccidiosis in chickens?
Coccidiosis in chickens is a disease caused by several Eimeria species of protozoan parasites, each having a preference for infecting specific parts of the chicken's intestine.
Common species include Eimeria acervulina, Eimeria maxima and Eimeria tenella.
Eimeria parasites are transmitted through their eggs (oocysts). These are laid in the gut of the infected host and spread to through their faeces. Chickens ingest the oocysts from the environment.
Transmission and spread of coccidiosis parasites
Oocysts are extremely resilient and can survive outside their host for long periods. They thrive in the warm, moist, and dirty conditions often found in poultry housing.
The eggs of the parasite can enter the farm by:
- Introduction of Infected Birds
- Contaminated Equipment or Clothing
- Wild Birds and Rodents
- Contaminated feed or water
- Transportation / Vehicles
- Re contamination due to poor cleaning & disinfection protocols and products
All poultry houses with poor hygiene and management practices are particularly susceptible to outbreaks. Maintaining a clean, dry coop can significantly reduce coccidia exposure and parasite loads in your birds.
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What are the symptoms of coccidiosis
Coccidiosis is primarily problematic in young chicks but can occur in chickens of any age. All chickens carry some coccidia in their intestine. In healthy adult chicken a small number of 'familiar' coccidia won't cause health issues as they have build up their immunity.
Coccidia parasites in small numbers do not cause any symptoms . However, signs of coccidiosis needing treatment include:
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- Diarrhea
- Reduced feed intake
- Weight loss or poor growth
- Dehydration
- Pale combs and wattles
- Droopy posture and wings
- Ruffled or puffed up feathers
- Droopy, dull or glazed eyes
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Biosecurity Measures for Poultry Farms
Good biosecurity is the most important defence that poultry farmers have to prevent the introduction of Eimeria parasites to their farms.
Implementing clear hygiene protocols and measures for visitors, vehicles, feed and goods entering the farm is important to prevent the introduction of coccidiosis.
Good nutrition helps to keep the immune system in good condition. Treat you chickens until they have had a chance to build up their immunity.
The 5 steps to prevent coccidiosis in chickens
It is crucial for every poultry farm to take proactive steps in protecting chickens from coccidiosis and preventing its spread. This includes implementing these five essential biosecurity guidelines to safeguard your flock and contribute to prevention efforts.:format(webp))
Guard your flock: hygiene is key
To protect your poultry from coccidiosis, experts strongly recommend strict hygiene protocols. Every person entering the poultry farm must shower and wash thoroughly. Implementing a strict hygiene protocol is crucial for preventing any potential issues and is key to ensuring your success.:format(webp))
Prevent cross-contamination with a colour system
Dedicated colours for tools, equipment and clothing for each location can help to prevent cross-contamination of oocysts between farms, locations or barns. If coccidiosis is detected in one barn, this practice ensures that it stays only within that barn, making containment easier.:format(webp))
Cleaning & disinfecting
A strict cleaning and disinfecting (C&D) protocol for all vehicles, tools and equipment that enters the farm helps to prevent the introduction of new Eimeria parasite types. A strict C&D protocol for the chickens living environment reduces the risk of cross contamination from one group to the next.:format(webp))
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