Seasonal impact on the prevalence of coccidian infection in broiler chicks across poultry farms in the Kashmir valley

Abstract

The information on the epidemiology and control of coccidian parasites of broilers in Kashmir valley is based on the reports available from other regions of the world. With this background, the present study was conducted to investigate the seasonal prevalence of the disease in the temperate agro-climatic conditions of Kashmir valley. A standard protocol for sampling was followed according to which five birds per 10,000 is sufficient to diagnose coccidiosis. Microscopic examination (under 109 and 409 objective lens) was used to reveal the presence of coccidial oocysts. Different species of genus Eimeria were identified on the basis of their predilection site, morphology and size. Coccidiosis was most prevalent in autumn 45.12 ± 2.55 (September 47.5 %, October 42.42 % and November 45.46 %) followed by summer 30.84 ± 6.86, spring 23.81 ± 2.81 and winter 20.29 ± 6.40. In summer, prevalence of disease was low but afterwards prevalence of disease rose up from August to October. In spite of high relative humidity in winter, disease showed low prevalence rate. Over all prevalence for the whole year was 29.87 %. Among species Eimeria tenella was the most dominant parasite showing highest prevalence of 18.13 %. Variation in incidence of coccidiosis with respect to seasons showed a strong correlation and data was found to be statistically significant with P \ 0.05. The results obtained would be quite useful to devise appropriate and effective control strategies and prophylactic programs for coccidiosis in poultry unique to this climatic zone and other parts of the world with similar climatic and poultry production systems.

Phytochemical control of poultry coccidiosis: a review

“…Sporulation favors high humidity in litter and increases oocysts spread in chicken farms ( Jordan, 1996 ). Coccidiosis had a low presence in winter (20.29%), while it was most prevalent in autumn at 45.12%, followed by summer (30.84%) and spring (23.81%) ( Ahad et al, 2015 ).…”

Pivotal debates and controversies on the structure and function of the avian respiratory system: setting the record straight

“…From the huge economic losses reported in the poultry industry (Spira, ; Glisson, ; Villegas, ; Jones, ; Kinungi'hi et al, ; Ahad, Tanveer & Malik, ), it has been claimed that birds are highly susceptible to respiratory diseases and afflictions due to weak pulmonary cellular defence mechanisms (Mensah & Brain, ; Toth et al, ; Klika et al, ; Spira, ). Factors that have been reported to make birds vulnerable to pulmonary infections are: a scarcity of free surface pulmonary macrophages (Stearns et al, ; Toth et al, , ; Maina & Cowley, ; Nganpiep & Maina, ; Kiama et al, ); enzymatic deficiencies in the oxidative metabolism of phagocytic cells (Penniall & Spitznagel, ; Bellavite et al, ); extension of the air sacs out of the coelomic cavity to lie beneath the skin in species such as the ostrich (Bezuidenhout et al, ), where they are prone to trauma and infection (air sacculitis); a blood–gas barrier that is 56–67% thinner (Fig.…”

Chicken Coccidiosis in Central Java, Indonesia: A Recent Update

“…Additionally, persistent Eimeria spp. infections in Indonesia may also be supported by the high environmental humidity which might contribute significantly to the completion of the parasite life cycle [ 14 ]. Given that the oocysts remain in the environment after being shed [ 15 ] and that wet floors favour oocysts sporulation, infection is maintained.…”