Five years Retrospective Study of Avian Coccidiosis in a Veterinary Clinic Bukuru Plateau State Nigeria

Abstract

<jats:p>This study was conducted to evaluate the incidence of coccidiosis and its association with various risk factors such as age, type of birds and season in a private veterinary clinic in Bukuru, Plateau State Ngeria. A total of 9406 cases during 2013 – 2017 were analysed and 1556 of them were positive for coccidiosis. Several reports on the prevalence of avian coccidiosis have been documented; however, in this study the prevalence of coccidiosis in the study area and its economic consequences was enumerated. Total prevalence of 12.14% in 2013, 18.78% in 2014, 18.21% in 2015, 16.82% in 2016 and 19.07% in 2017 were reported. An overall prevalence of 85.02% was recorded. The average prevalence of coccidiosis based on this five years study is 17%. The association between coccidiosis and age of the birds was determined and age 5-8 weeks becomes most effective period with wet season having high percentage prevalence of coccidiosis. Based on the type of birds, coccidiosis is prevalence almost in equal proportion in both broilers and layers. The losses associated with coccidiosis both direct and indirect components include the cost of control measures, inadequate good hygiene practices, production losses and lack of prophylaxis treatment. The control of coccidiosis is by good sanitary measures by avoiding water spillage, overcrowding, the use of prophylaxis anticoccidials and proper vaccination.</jats:p>