Coccidiosis is one of the most common and economically important diseases of chickens worldwide.
It is caused by a parasitic organism that damages the host’s intestinal system, causing loss of production, morbidity and death. This disease has a major economic impact on the global poultry industry.
Coccidia life-cycle:
Coccidial parasites are protozoa belonging to the phylum Apicomplexa.
Chicken coccidiosis is caused by seven species, all from the genus Eimeria: E. acervulina, E. brunetti, E, maxima, E. mitis, E. necatrix, E. praecox and/or E. tenella.
