Prevalence of Avian coccidiosis in India: a review

Coccidiosis stands as a highly significant and economically impactful parasitic ailment in poultry, attributed to the intracellular parasite belonging to the genus Eimeria . This affliction poses considerable financial challenges to the poultry industry and is prevalent in most tropical and subtropical regions globally. The primary mode of transmission is through the fecal–oral route, predominantly affecting young chicks and chickens within intensive rearing systems. There are nine distinct Eimeria species that affect poultry, manifesting primarily in caecal and intestinal forms. Diagnosis typically relies on examining fecal samples for oocysts and post-mortem lesions. Molecular techniques are employed for both diagnosis and control of poultry coccidiosis. To combat the disease, anticoccidials are consistently incorporated into feed and water, but this practice may contribute to the emergence of resistant strains. Various vaccines, including live or live attenuated options, are currently in use for coccidiosis prevention.