%0 Journal Article
%T Prevalence of Coccidiosis in Broiler Chicken Farms in Western Iran
%A Jamal Gharekhani
%A Zivar Sadeghi-Dehkordi
%A Mohammadali Bahrami
%J Journal of Veterinary Medicine
%D 2014
%R 10.1155/2014/980604
%X The main goal of current study was to investigate the prevalence of coccidiosis in broiler farms in Hamedan province, western Iran. Chicks and fecal samples were collected in all of the 220 broiler farms in this region. All viscera were examined for gross pathological changes. The mucosa of small intestine and the caeca were examined for the presence and identification of parasitic forms using parasitology methods. The overall rate of coccidiosis was 31.8%; E. acervulina (75.7%), E. tenella (54.3%), E. necatrix (28.6%), and E. maxima (20%) were determined. Mixed infections were observed in all of the positive farms. There was a statistical significant difference among infection rate and age groups, dysentery, history of colibacilosis and clostridiosis in farm, and history of coccidiostats consumption, unlike to breed . This is the first report of coccidiosis rate in broiler farms in this region. Further additional researches and design control strategies for improving management in farms are necessary. 1. Introduction Coccidiosis is caused by various species of Eimeria, an Apicomplexa protozoan parasite. It is one of the common diseases in poultry, which is responsible for major economic losses worldwide [1, 2]. The disease occurs only after ingestion of sporulated oocysts in susceptible hosts. Both clinically infected and recovered birds shed oocysts in their droppings, which contaminate feed, dust, water, litter, and soil. Oocysts may be transmitted by mechanical carriers (e.g., equipment, clothing, insects, farm workers, and other animals) [3]. Coccidiosis occurs in the epithelial cells of the intestine, despite the advances in nutrition, chemotherapy, management, and genetics [3]. E. tenella and E. necatrix are the most pathogenic and cause bloody lesions, high morbidity, and mortality [4, 5]. Most Eimeria spp. affect birds between 3 and 18 weeks of age and can cause high mortality in young chicks. Mixed infections are commonly found under field conditions [5, 6]. Coccidiosis in poultry is characterized by dysentery, enteritis, emaciation, drooping wings, and poor growth. Feed and water consumption are depressed. Weight loss, development of culls, decreased egg production, and increased morbidity and mortality may accompany outbreaks [7]. Bad management, such as wet litter that encourages oocyst sporulation, contaminated drinkers and feeders, bad ventilation, and high stocking density can exacerbate the clinical signs [6]. Coccidiosis is still a major problem worldwide; it is due to the difficult diagnosis. Identification of different species based
%U http://www.hindawi.com/journals/jvm/2014/980604/