Coccidiosis

Coccidosis affects the intestinal tract of animals and is a parasitic disease. Learn the symptoms.

What is Coccidiosis?

Coccidiosis is a parasitic disease in the intestinal tract of animals caused by coccidian protozoa. The disease spreads from animal to animal by coming in contact with infected droppings or ingesting infected tissue. The primary symptom is diarrhea and in advanced cases bloody diarrhea. Younger or animals who are already sick may suffer more severe symptoms and sometimes death. Coccidia is usually species specific but can spread to a wide variety of animals.

Know the Signs

  • Diarrhea -blood and mucus in droppings
  • Loss of appetite
  • Droopiness
  • Dehydration
  • Poor weight gain
  • Poor feed efficiency

Please note: Necrotic Enteritis is another disease affecting intestinal tracts and also causes blood in droppings. 

Prevention

Coccidosis is treatable when caught early enough and can be treated with medicated feed that contains a coccidiostat.

 

Vaccines

Most mail order hatcheries offer a coccidiosis vaccine that can be given before the birds are shipped. Most cocci vaccines are a  red spray that lightly coats the feathers and the vaccine is ingested as the bird preens itself. It is suggested to get the cocci vaccine at hatch to avoid the usage of medicated feed if the birds will be introduced to an organic or antibiotic free operation.