Efficacy of diclazuril in the prevention and cure of intestinal and hepatic coccidiosis in rabbits

The efficacy of diclazuril against intestinal and hepatic coccidiosis was studied in artificially infected rabbits. Prophylaxis against intestinal coccidiosis was evaluated using a mixed infection of Eimeria intestinalis, Eimeria magna and Eimeria perforans. Continuous medication in the feed at 1 p.p.m. was 100% effective in reducing oocyst output and faecal scores, and weight gain and feed efficiency were normal. Hepatic coccidiosis induced by Eimeria stiedai was prevented at 0.5 and 1 p.p.m. as shown by negative oocyst counts, normal liver weight, absence of liver lesions, and normal body-weight gain and feed efficiency. Medication at 1 p.p.m. for 7 consecutive days during the prepatent phase of hepatic coccidiosis resulted in large reductions in oocyst counts and lesion scores with a normal liver weight and growth performance. Diclazuril at 1 p.p.m. in the feed prevented both intestinal and hepatic coccidiosis in rabbits and can be advocated for safe mass medication.