BackgroundThe present study was intended to determine the prevalence and identification of species involved causing coccidiosis in broilers rearing under traditional farming system in Mirpur, Azad Kashmir, Pakistan. For the current study, a convenient sampling technique was carried out. A total of 7814 broilers (aged 1 to 6 weeks) were submitted to the Disease Diagnostic Laboratory of Livestock and Animal husbandry Department Mirpur, Azad Kashmir.ResultsFrom the total screened, 750 were found positive for coccidiosis representing an overall prevalence of 9.59 %. Age-wise highest prevalence (10.88 %) recorded in the middle age birds (0 to 3 week old) were found more susceptible to infection than those aged above 3 weeks. Higher prevalence (12.49 %) of coccidiosis in broilers was observed in spring as compared with 6.60 % in summer season. In this study two main coccidiosis causing species, Emeria tenella and Emeria maxima were identified on the basis of their morphological feature and habitat (caeca and intestine), However, E. tenella was dominant compared to E. maxima.ConclusionThe study provides an insight to the occurrence of Emeria species which must be taken into consideration when rearing the broilers.

Mycobacterium paratuberculosis the subspecies of M. avium, effects wide range of animals including domestic cattle, sheep, goats, buffaloes, camelids and wild ruminants resulting in progressive and chronic enteritis known as Johne's disease (paratuberculosis). Clinically sick animals show emaciation, diarrhea and eventually death but the risk is that mostly they don't show clinical sign still can shed bacteria in feces and milk. Organism spread in the animal body through blood and lymph nodes to multiple internal organs. It is economically very important disease in livestock because effected livestock is recommended to be culled due to high treatment costs. Etiology, host range, immunology, epidemiology, stages/ forms, clinical signs, diagnostic tools and treatment have been discussed with special reference to endemic situations. Strategies to control this disease include improved management practices, testing and culling and vaccination. Modifications in management practices is not an easy job and so is the case with testing and culling; vaccine on the other hand is the simple practice but it is not usually practiced by farmers because lack of knowledge/awareness in herdsmen and availability of vaccine.All copyrights reserved to Nexus® academic publishers