Coccidia of goats in Zimbabwe

Faecal samples from goats were collected per rectum from February 1989 to January 1990. The numbers of oocysts per gram (OPG) of faeces were determined by the McMaster technique and identification of oocysts was made on sporulation. Infection was seen throughout the year, infecting on average 89.9% of 1092 adults and 94.0% of 151 kids. OPG of less than 1000 were found in 61.2% of adults and 43.3% of kids, whereas OPG of 1000-5000 were observed in 29.0% of adults and 34.6% of kids. Two kids showed over 10(6) OPG. Twelve species of Eimeria coccidia were identified. The percentage of animals harbouring different species were: E. alijevi and E. ninakohlyakimovae, 99%; E. hirci, 83.5%; E. arloingi, 80.6%; E. caprina, 77.6%; E. aspheronica, 64.8%; E. ahsata, 63%; E. christenseni 60%; E. granulosa, 42.8%; E. pallida, 6.2%; E. intricata, 2% E. punctata, 0.3%. Two percent of goats harboured three species, 5.6% four, 9.5% five, 26.3% six, 25.7% seven, 23.7% eight, 6.3% nine, 0.6% ten and 0.3% eleven species. E. alijevi was the most predominant species, followed by E. ninakohlyakimovae, E. ahsata, E. arloingi, E. granulosa, E. caprina, E. christenseni, E. hirci, E. aspheronica and E. pallida in decreasing order. E. intricata and E. punctata never showed predominance. All the species are reported from Zimbabwe for the first time.