Subclinical coccidiosis in broilers and pullets

In the period from 1985 to 1987, 24 broiler crops (12 houses; one integration and 3 farms) and 9 pullet flocks (9 houses, 4 farms) were examined for parasites. Intestinal lesion scores and the number of parasites in the intestinal lumen (semiquantitative estimation) were recorded, and the Eimeria species determined when possible (broilers crops: 3rd and 5th week, pullet flocks 4th, 8th, 12th and 18th week). Additionally, the quantity of parasites in litter or faecal samples was examined in regular intervals. Clues for economic damage were only found in broiler crops with increased numbers of coccidial oocysts per gram litter in the 5th week of the fattening period. Eimeria tenella and E. acervulina were the dominating species in broiler chickens and also pullets, E. maxima oocysts however were only casual findings. No ectoparasites, helminths or other protozoa than Eimeria were observed. With regard to the intestinal lesions and the quantities of parasites in the intestine no significant differences were seen when comparing selected broiler chicks and birds taken at random. In pullet flocks the examination of random samples was the superior method, because only freshly dead bodies, collected in insufficient numbers, were suitable for diagnostics. In 3 broiler crops and one flock of replacement pullets kept on a wired floor no Eimeria were diagnosed.     

Prevalence and risk factors for subclinical coccidiosis in broiler chicken farms in Mazandaran province,Iran

Coccidiosis is a disease of almost universal importance in Poultry production. The subclinical form of coccidiosis has most significant economic impact due to impaired growth rate and feed conversion. Some factors such as: age, size of flock, season, etc., may effect on severity of this disease. In this study, the relationships between some major risk factors and prevalence of subclinical coccidiosis were investigated. This study was done in 120 broiler farms in five different cities of Mazandaran province, north of Iran. Five chicks (3–8 weeks of ages) were taken randomly from every 120 farms and post-mortem and parasitological examinations were performed. Five Eimeria spp. were recognized: Eimeria tenella, Eimeria maxima, Eimeria acervulina, Eimeria brunetti, and Eimeria necatrix. The prevalence rate of subclinical coccidiosis among them is 75% (90 farms out of 120). E. acervulina was the most prevalent species (65.5%) followed by E. maxima (17.7%), E. tenella (15.5%), E. brunetti (10%), and E. necatrix (5.5%). According to what the results approve, the occurrence of subclinical coccidiosis is significantly related to the age and size of flock, whereas the other factors such as the season of year, industrial strains, chicken’s keeping system, and anticoccidial drugs do not affect this phenomenon remarkably.     

Isolation of five species ofeimeria from chickens in Bangladesh

Five species of Eimeria, namely E. acervulina, E. tenella, E. maxima, E. brunetti and E. necatrix were identified in chickens in Bangladesh on the basis of lesions seen at post-mortem examinations of naturally infected birds, and on the dimensions of oocysts and the lesions seen in chicks experimentally infected with single oocyst derived strains. The use of filter top, polycarbonate cages permitted the isolation of strains without sophisticated animal isolators and is appropriate for use in laboratories throughout the developing world. Responses to a questionnaire sent to all known intensive poultry farms suggested that coccidiosis is a major disease. For control, producers rely mostly on management procedures and the tactical use of sulphonamides; in-feed chemoprophylaxis is not widely used. These control measures are unsatisfactory and recent coccidiosis outbreaks were reported from seven of 16 farms. There was evidence of a seasonal incidence in clinical coccidiosis.     

Higher incidence of Eimeria spp. field isolates sensitive for diclazuril and monensin associated with the use of live coccidiosis vaccination with paracox-5 in broiler farms

Twenty European Eimeria spp. field isolates were subjected to an anticoccidial sensitivity test (AST). The anticoccidial drugs tested were diclazuril (Clinacox) and monensin (Elancoban). The assay was performed in a battery cage trial. Infected medicated birds were compared with an unmedicated control group. Coccidial lesion scores and oocyst shedding were used as parameters. The results of the AST show that resistance is common amongst coccidiosis field isolates, especially Eimeria acervulina (68% and 53% resistance for diclazuril and monensin, respectively). Resistance is less frequent amongst Eimeria maxima (38% and 50% resistance for diclazuril and monensin, respectively) and Eimeria tenella isolates (23% and 38% resistance for diclazuril and monensin, respectively). A highly significant influence of the coccidiosis prevention program (live coccidiosis vaccination with Paracox-5 vs. anticoccidial drugs in feed) on the sensitivity patterns of Eimeria spp. field isolates for both diclazuril (P= 0.000) and monensin (P= 0.001) was found. Further, when looking at the single species and each anticoccidial drug level, significantly more sensitivity of E. acervulina for monensin (P= 0.018), E. maxima for diclazuril (P = 0.009), and E. tenella for diclazuril (P = 0.007) was found in isolates originating from vaccinated flocks. Moreover, for E. acervulina and diclazuril, E. maxima and monensin, and E. tenella and monensin a trend toward higher sensitivity of isolates for these products was found when live coccidiosis vaccination was applied. The present study shows that sensitivity for the anticoccidial drugs diclazuril and monensin is more frequent in Eimeria spp. field isolates originating from broiler farms where a coccidiosis vaccination policy is followed.     

Prevalence of oocysts of Isospora suis and Eimeria spp from sows on farms with and without a history of neonatal coccidiosis

Oocysts of Isospora suis were not found in any of 77 fecal samples from sows on farms with a history of neonatal coccidiosis. Oocysts of Isospora suis were found in 1 of 172 fecal samples from farms without a history of neonatal coccidiosis. Oocysts of Eimeria spp were found in 81.8% of the sows from farms with a history of neonatal coccidiosis and in 94.8% of the sows from farms without a history of neonatal coccidiosis. Oocysts of Isospora spp from birds were encountered as a pseudoparasite in several fecal samples.     

Causes of mortality in commercial organic layers in Denmark

A longitudinal study investigated the courses of mortality in commercial free-range organic layer flocks in Denmark. In total, 15 organic egg-producing flocks from 11 farms were randomly selected among 80 farms registered in Denmark. Four farms with confined egg production on deep litter were included for comparison. Flock sizes ranged from 2260 to 5940 layers. The flocks were monitored from introduction to the layer farm until slaughter. Flock mortalities ranged from approximately 2% to 91%, with a mean of 20.8% for organic flocks compared with 7% for confined flocks on deep litter. In total, 4608 layers were submitted for postmortem examination, representing > 40% of all the dead layers in the investigated flocks. Outbreaks of erysipelas (Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae) and fowl cholera (Pasteurella multocida) were observed in two and three organic flocks, respectively. The mortality rate reached 91% in one organic flock dually affected by erysipelas and fowl cholera. In six organic flocks, outbreaks of blackhead were diagnosed. Concurrent infections of erysipelas and blackhead were diagnosed in one organic flock. Escherichia coli infections in the form of septicemia were identified in all organic flocks. In addition, cannibalism and constipation contributed significantly to the mortality in some organic flocks. In the confined deep litter flocks, E. coli infection, constipation, and cannibalism represented the most common causes of mortality.     

An unusual case of coccidiosis in laboratory-reared pheasants resulting from a breach in biosecurity

An outbreak of coccidiosis in laboratory-reared Chinese ring-necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) resulted in high morbidity and moderate mortality. The outbreak was associated with a breach in biosecurity caused by the cleaning of a sewer line with a mechanical device, resulting in extensive splattering of fecal material throughout the "clean room" where birds were held prior to use in coccidiosis experiments. Mortality and morbidity in the affected birds were seen exactly 5 days after the incident, after birds had been moved to another room for experimental use, corresponding closely with the known prepatent or preclinical period of Eimeria phasiani and Eimeria colchici. Gross lesions in the affected birds varied from dehydration to intestinal and ventricular hemorrhage. Microscopic examination confirmed a diagnosis of severe intestinal coccidiosis. This report underscores the ease of contamination of experimental birds leading to coccidiosis outbreaks during breaches of management and biosecurity.     

Success and failure: The role of relative humidity levels and environmental management in liveEimeria vaccination of cage-reared replacement layer pullets

Contrary to the traditional view that layer flocks housed in conventional cages are unlikely to suffer coccidiosis caused byEimeria species, this enteric disease has become an emergent issue. Coccidiosis outbreaks in layers are frequently associated with the failure to develop protective immunity at a young age. Layer hens housed in cages are usually sourced from replacement layer pullets housed in similar cages in the rearing barn. Live coccidiosis vaccines administered to young chicks provide a small dose of vaccine oocysts that infect and replicate within the vaccinated birds, resulting in the release of progeny oocysts into the rearing environment; these oocysts must become infective (i.e., sporulate) and then reinfect the partially immune birds in order for the vaccine to generate complete protective immunity. Three factors are needed for successful oocyst sporulation: temperature (4 to 37°C; optimal 29°C), oxygen access, and adequate RH. The purpose of this study was to assess the degree of protective immunity elicited by birds spray-vaccinated with a live coccidiosis vaccine at the hatchery. During the critical period for oocyst sporulation and cycling, RH levels decreased to 13 to 19%, resulting in inadequate oocyst cycling and minimal protection against homologous challenge at 6 and 12 wk of age. This vaccination failure highlights the need to monitor RH in the barn and modify the barn environment so that conditions promote, rather than impede, the success of live coccidiosis vaccines.     

Quantifying risk factors of coccidiosis in broilers using on-farm data based on a veterinary practice

A study was done to find and quantify risk factors for coccidiosis. The study population consisted of 4774 broiler flocks kept on 177 farms. Flocks were considered a case when at least one bird in the flock showed microscopic presence of oocysts in intestinal scrapings in a grow-out cycle. Other flocks were defined as controls. This was done for three types of Eimeria: Eimeria acervulina, Eimeria tenella and Eimeria maxima. Logistic regression was used to assess variables that influence the occurrence of Eimeria species. There were 49 variables, based on animal, flock or farm level. There was an enhanced risk of coccidiosis due to environmental and management factors that increase the risk of introducing contamination or that are related to hygienic measures. These include lack of use of overalls by visitors, a farmyard which is difficult to clean, bad hygienic status, personnel who might also be working on other farms, presence of other animals on the farm, and feeding and drinking systems which are more difficult to clean. Also, the presence of other diseases on the farm and Eimeria species found in the previous flock increased the risk: of coccidiosis.     

Responses of chickens vaccinated with a live attenuated multi-valent ionophore-tolerant Eimeria vaccine

Coccidiosis, caused by Eimeria species, is a serious economic disease of chickens (Gallus gallus) and the search for vaccines to control the disease is intensifying especially with the increasing threat of drug resistance. A live attenuated multi-valent ionophore-tolerant Eimeria vaccine has been developed that contains three ionophore-resistant Eimeria species, E. tenella, E. maxima and E. acervulina. The attenuated lines were derived from virulent field strains resistant to monensin ionophore by selection for early development in chicks. The vaccine was administered by gavage and through drinking water to broiler chickens, Chinese Yellow strain, reared in wire cages. Vaccinated medicated birds performed better than vaccinated unmedicated and medicated unvaccinated groups. The final mean weights of vaccinated medicated birds were significantly higher (P<0.05), and a better vaccine protection index, using both vaccinating methods, was achieved. Results indicated that concomitant use of ionophores and vaccines could be a useful adjunct to planned immunization in the control of coccidiosis.     

Efficacy of toltrazuril in broilers and development of a laboratory model for sensitivity testing of Eimeria field isolates

(1) The efficacy of toltrazuril (Baycox) against coccidiosis was established on a broiler farm in an intermittent application during five consecutive growing periods. Treated birds were fed a broiler ration without anticoccidials. The efficacy of Baycox was compared with the nicarbazin-salinomycin shuttle. It was concluded that Baycox retarded the onset of Eimeria infection for several weeks. During the fifth rearing period coccidiosis problems emerged on the farm in all birds during medication, suggesting development of resistance. (2) During a laboratory experiment the efficacy of Baycox was studied in birds after inoculation with different numbers of oocysts at 7, 10 or 15 days of age. Baycox was applied at 10 and 11 days of age. In all cases medication with Baycox protected birds from coccidiosis during a period of at least 7 days. This effect of Baycox could be due to the long-existing tissue levels of the product and its metabolites as well as its specific effect on the second generation of schizonts. (3) In another laboratory experiment coccidia obtained from field trials were tested for sensitivity to Baycox in conjunction with two strains obtained from farms were coccidiosis emerged during application. The inoculation model developed in this study was used for sensitivity testing. One of the Eimeria strains tested was resistant to the product, one strain was tolerant and the remaining two strains, including the control strain, were fully sensitive to Baycox.     

Coccidiosis control with toltrazuril in conjunction with anticoccidial medicated or nonmedicated feed

A 42-day broiler floor pen study was conducted comparing the anticoccidial efficacy of toltrazuril (Baycox) as a stand alone treatment and as an additional treatment to in-feed anticoccidial programs. Toltrazuril was administered on days 18 and 19 in the drinking water at 7 mg/kg of body weight. The treatments were 125 ppm nicarbazin (days 0-14) to 66 ppm salinomycin (SAL) (days 15-35) with and without toltrazuril, SAL (days 0-35) with and without toltrazuril, nonmedicated (NM) to SAL with toltrazuril, and NM with and without toltrazuril. The controls were NM noninfected and infected. The treatments were replicated in five blocks of eight pens each in a randomized complete block design. All withdrawal feed was nonmedicated. On day 14, birds, except noninfected, were exposed to coccidial oocysts (Eimeria acervulina, Eimeria maxima, and Eimeria tenella) seeded litter. On days 21, 28, 35, and 42, birds and feed were weighed, four birds per pen were coccidial lesion scored, and litter oocyst counts were performed. The coccidial infection in the NM infected treatment caused a significant (P < 0.05) coccidiosis infection. Coccidiosis was moderately controlled in the anticoccidial treatment birds without toltrazuril. Performance in the NM with toltrazuril was equal to or better (P < 0.05) than the anticoccidial programs without toltrazuril. Toltrazuril was equal to the noninfected birds in performance. Toltrazuril most completely eliminated all coccidial lesions and dramatically reduced oocyst shedding. The performance data, lesion scores, and oocyst counts showed that a 2-day treatment with toltrazuril successfully controlled the coccidiosis with no relapse of infection. Toltrazuril can thus be used for supplemental control with in-feed anticoccidials or as a primary anticoccidial with nonmedicated feed.     

Use of toltrazuril in pullet breeding flocks raised on floors with anticoccidial-free feed

In 28 replacement pullet flocks with flock size of 4,000 to 25,000 birds Toltrazuril (experimental preparation, 2.5% solution, approx. 7 mg/kg body weight) was administered for a period of two days in the drinking water for metaphylactic purpose and therapeutic use, respectively. All flocks were reared without anticoccidial feed additives. Exposition to Eimeria spp. was recorded by examination of faecal samples and intestinal scrapings. Clinical flock control was achieved by vets at eight to ten day intervals. Toltrazuril was characterized by short application period, rapid mode of action, significant reduction of oocyst shedding, good compatibility and acceptance thus proving superior to conventional chemotherapy of coccidiosis. The results suggest that, even without administration of anticoccidial feed additives. Toltrazuril is an effective agent for therapeutic use in acute coccidiosis. Under insufficient management and rearing conditions repeated metaphylactic application has to be considered.     

Sources of Salmonellae in broiler chickens in Ontario.

Sources of Salmonellae infecting broiler chicken flocks in Ontario were investigated from July, 1975 to April, 1976. Three broiler flocks were investigated on each of four farms which received chicks from a common hatchery. Samples of feed and new litter were preenriched in nonselective broth subcultured to Salmonella-selective enrichment broth and plated on Salmonella-selective differential agar.Samples of used litter, water, culled chicks, insects, mice, wild birds and environmental swabs were not cultured initially in the nonselective broth. Fecal samples from principal and occasional flock attendants were examined for Samonellae. Salmonella infection, as judged by contaminated flock litter was detected in six flocks on two of the farms while the flocks on the other farms remained negative. Salmonellae were isolated from 23 of 412 feed samples (nine serotypes), six of 35 new wood shaving samples (four serotypes), one of 29 pools of culled chick viscera (one serotype) and 44 of 267 used litter samples (14 serotypes). These results indicate that broiler chicken flocks were infected with diverse Salmonellae introduced in day old chicks, pelleted feeds, wood shavings and residual contamination from the preceding flock.     

Comparison of Eimeria species distribution and salinomycin resistance in commercial broiler operations utilizing different coccidiosis control strategies

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the species composition and salinomycin sensitivity of Eimeria oocysts isolated from commercial broiler farms that differed by means of coccidiosis control (anticoccidial drugs [ACD] vs. live oocyst vaccines [VAC]). A comparison of Eimeria species composition and salinomycin sensitivity was also made before and after a producer switched from salinomycin to live oocyst vaccines. In general, no significant difference was observed in the concentration of Eimeria spp. oocysts in litter from VAC-utilizing farms compared to litter from ACD-utilizing farms. Application of PCR-based methods to detect coccidia found that Eimeria species distribution in litter from VAC operations more closely resembled the species composition in the live oocyst vaccines. Drug sensitivity testing found that Eimeria oocysts from VAC operations displayed greater salinomycin sensitivity as measured by weight gain and feed conversion efficiency compared to oocysts from ACD farms. These findings provide additional evidence for the usefulness of live oocyst vaccines to restore ionophore sensitivity in poultry operations that contain an ionophore-resistant population of Eimeria spp. oocysts.     

Seroprevalence of Histomonas meleagridis in pullets and laying hens determined by ELISA

Serum samples from 1120 layers from 56 flocks and 400 pullets from 20 flocks were tested by an indirect sandwich ELISA to investigate the prevalence of antibodies to Histomonas meleagridis in chickens kept in alternative husbandry systems. The overall prevalence of antibodies to H meleagridis in layers was 37.3 per cent, and positive birds were identified in 50 flocks. This was significantly higher than in pullets, where only 8.3 per cent of the birds tested positive. Optical density (OD) values obtained from pullet sera were much lower than the OD values from layers; however, positive birds were detected in half of the pullet flocks. In particular, all birds from an organic pullet flock were found to be positive, with high OD values. Overall, the highest prevalence of positive sera was obtained from birds kept in free-range flocks. Attempts to reisolate live histomonads from birds in 18 layer flocks were unsuccessful.     

Study on Coccidiosis in Kombolcha Poultry Farm,Ethiopia

A study on the occurrence of coccidiosis and distribution of Eimeria species in dead chickens 1-60 days of age, at Kombolcha Poultry Multiplication and Research Center (KPMRC), Ethiopia was conducted from November 2002 to April 2003. Out of the 965 dead birds, 370 (38.34%) were found to have clinical coccidiosis. The Eimeria species identified in this study were Eimeria brunetti, E. tenella, E. acervulina and E. necatrix with prevalence rates of 45.3%, 40.8%, 9.7%, and 4.1%, respectively. In the current study, E. brunetti was reported for the first time in Ethiopia. It was noted that clinical coccidioisis was more prevalent in those between 5 and 6 weeks of age. A statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) was observed in clinical coccidiosis prevalence among the different age groups studied. Various managerial problems that are associated with this high prevalence of clinical coccidiosis are identified and appropriate control strategies are recommended.     

Incidence of histomonosis in turkeys in France since the bans of dimetridazole and nifursol

Between April 2003 and March 2005, 113 outbreaks of histomonosis were recorded in standard turkey farms in France, and 15 cases were recorded in turkey breeding centres. Most of the cases were in north-west France, the principal farming area for turkeys. The majority of the cases occurred during the hottest months, from April to September. Large numbers of cases occurred among birds from four to eight weeks of age, but there were some cases in three-week-old birds and some in birds up to 17 weeks of age. In most of the standard turkey flocks the mortality was less than 10 per cent, but it was above 30 per cent in nearly 20 per cent of the outbreaks. In the breeding flocks, the average mortality was 60.2 per cent. The size of the flocks, the sex of the birds and the age at which the first clinical signs appeared did not seem to influence the mortality.     

Anticoccidial Vaccination of Broiler Chickens in Various Management Programmes: Relationship between Oocyst Accumulation in Litter and the Development of Protective Immunity

Paracox anticoccidial vaccine was administered to a 7-day-old flock of commercial broiler breeder stock subsequently reared to point-of-lay in the same house. For comparison, three subgroups of another flock of broiler breeders were also vaccinated with Paracox at 7 days of age, reared to 42 days and then transferred to new litter on another farm until point-of-lay. The first subgroup received no further treatment, but the second and third each received a second vaccination with Paracox, either immediately after transfer to the new litter or 42 days after transfer. Using an Eimeria necatrix model, protective immunity was demonstrated by virulent challenge of samples of birds from all groups by the age of 37–40 days (30–33 days after the first vaccination), and was maintained to at least 122–125 days of age, whether the birds remained on the same litter or were transferred to another farm, and whether they received one or two anticoccidial vaccinations. Therefore, there is no disadvantage in transferring birds onto new litter 35 days after a single Paracox vaccination, nor is there any advantage in giving a second vaccination after such a transfer. Vaccinated birds seeded the new litter with oocysts, despite being clinically immune to coccidiosis. A supplementary laboratory experiment showed that birds vaccinated at 8 days of age passed almost no oocysts after a second vaccination at 43 days of age. This indicated that they were not only protected against clinical coccidiosis, but were almost solidly immune to a homologous infection 5 weeks after a single vaccination. Nevertheless, oocysts appeared in the litter of all four groups of commercial breeders throughout the trial, showing that wild-type heterologous infections occurred whether the birds were transferred to new litter or not, but these did not overwhelm the acquired protective immunity and cause clinical coccidiosis.     

Effects of Pediococcus- and Saccharomyces-based probiotic (MitoMax) on coccidiosis in broiler chickens

Coccidiosis is the major parasitic disease of poultry. In this study, the role of the commercial probiotic MitoMax which contains Pediococcus acidilactici and Saccharomyces boulardii was evaluated by measuring body weight gain, fecal oocyst shedding, and serum antibody responses as an alternative control method of prophylactic drug against coccidiosis. Day-old broiler chicks were fed regular or probiotic diets supplemented with MitoMax at 0.01%, 0.1%, or 1.0% of diet, and challenged 2 weeks later with 5000 oocysts of either Eimeria acervulina (EA) or Eimeria tenella (ET). Birds fed 1.0% or 0.1% MitoMax-supplemented diets in EA- or ET-infected groups shed less (P<0.05) oocysts than control-infected chickens. Also, chickens fed 0.1% MitoMax-supplemented diet and infected with EA exhibited higher (P<0.001) serum Eimeria-specific antibodies than other groups. These results demonstrate that MitoMax may enhance the resistance of birds against coccidiosis by enhancing humoral immunity when included at > or = 0.1% of the broiler diet.