Sheep coccidiosis is an infection of economic and medical importance and have been observed in almost all alive sheep rearing in the world. Examination of 928 sheep fecal samples from different localities in Kaloubia Governorate for detection of Eimeria infection revealed a prevalence rate of 72.5% (n= 673/928). The identified Eimeria species oocysts were Eimeria candelas (78.3%), E. granulosa (63%), E. ovinoidalis (41%), E. parva (31.5%), E. pallida (22.1%), E. intricata (6.8%), E. faurei (6.2%) and E. ahasta (4.9%). The prevalence rate was high in females (76.3%) as compared to males (68.3%). The incidence of infection peaked in winter (83.1%) followed by spring (80.8%), while the lowest rate was in summer (61.0%). High prevalence rate was recorded in ages > 6 months (90.8%), followed by 6-12months (73.6%), while the lowest rate was in sheep over 1 year of age (55.6%). Single infection was recorded in 26.6% of infected sheep. Double infection rate was in 29.7% while mixed infection rate was in 43.7%. With regard to breeds, Rahmany and Osemy breed showed the highest infection rate (80.9% and 73.9%; respectively). On the other hand, Baladi breed showed the lowest infection rate (58.3%). Immunized dam with UV attenuated Eimeria oocysts and their progeny showed a significant increase in both IgG and IgM as compared to non-immunized control group. Biochemical analysis Immunized dams and their progeny showed high level of albumin, Beta and Gamma concentration levels as compared to control dams and their progeny. Conclusion, it could be concluded that Egyptian sheep was infected by 8 species of Eimeria with predominant of Eimeria crandalis and Eimeria granulosa. New born lambs from immunized ewes have high serum immunoglobulin especially IgG compared to those from non-immunized ewes. Recommendation, Immunization of pregnant ewes by two doses UV irradiated Eimeria oocysts one month before parturition to give protection to their progeny.

The study was conducted to study the effect of Ultraviolet radiated Eimeria oocysts on immune pattern of lambs. For this purpose, Eimeria sp. (E. crandalis, E. granulosa, E. ovinoidalis, E. parva, E. pallida and E. faurei) were collected from infected sheep and propagated in a lamb for increasing the number of oocysts. The collected Eimeria sp. from the lamb, were sporulated in potassium dichromate 2.5% and divided into 3 parts; the 1 st part was exposed to UV radiation for half hour and the 2 nd part for one hour and the third left without irradiation. Nine lambs were classified into 3 equal groups; G1 was inoculated by half hour UV irradiated Eimeria oocysts, G2 was inoculated by one-hour UV irradiated Eimeria oocysts and G3 was inoculated by non-irradiated Eimeria oocysts. Fecal samples were collected from all lamb groups from 5 th to 21 th days, identified and count. Challenge by non-attenuated Eimeria was carried out at 21 th day post inoculation. The obtained results revealed that immunization of lambs by using one-hour UV irradiated Eimeria oocysts showed low number of oocysts in feces before and after challenge compared to other groups. The same group also showed high level of γ globulin as well as increasing levels of IgG. It was recommended that immunization of lambs by one-hour UV irradiated Eimeria oocysts could protect lambs against Coccidiosis.