The combination of moisture and warm temperatures in a typical Pacific Northwest spring can lead to an increased risk for flocks from a small protozoan found in every chicken yard.
What is Coccidiosis?
Coccidiosis is the clinical illness caused by infection with a protozoan parasite (genus Eimeria) There are nine types of coccidia which infect chickens. Most of these parasites invade the chicken’s intestinal tract, but some invade other organs, such as the liver and kidney. Chickens become infected by ingesting sporulated oocysts (coccidia "eggs") from the surrounding environment.
When chickens are exposed to coccidia early on, as long as there are not excessive levels present in the environment, they will usually develop a natural immunity, without any treatment necessary. However, if their immune system is lowered due to infection with another disease, stress, or exposure to a new species of coccidia (such as when they move to a new location), or just exposed to high levels of the parasite due to prime weather conditions, they may develop coccidiosis.
Large numbers of coccidia cause damage to the bird's intestinal lining. This causes a disruption of their digestive process, can result in anemia and increased susceptibility to other disease. Quick treatment is important to stop this cascade of ailments.
Signs of Coccidiosis
One of the first signs of coccidiosis is reduced feed and water consumption. The bird will be less active and often goes off on their own and appears hunched up with ruffled feathers. Other signs include a change in the appearance of their droppings, which may be runny and an off-color, or tinged with blood. Blood is not always present, especially in an early stage of the infection, and should not be relied on as a firm diagnostic.
Treatment
Treatment involves good supportive care, to ensure the bird stays well hydrated, as well as use of an anticoccidial agent to reduce the intestinal load quickly. At the same time, flock management practices must be reviewed and updated to reduce the threat of further flock infection.
The most commonly used anti-coccidiostat is Amprolium. This is also the ingredient in medicated chick feed. It is a thiamin blocker, and works by blocking access to the B vitamins that coccidia require for reproduction. The normal treatment is to administer amprolium (often sold under the trade name Corid) for several days, stop, repeat in 2 weeks, then provide a vitamin supplement (such as Nutridrench or PoultryCell) to help replace the bird's vitamin B levels. Any supplement containing vitamin B should not be given during the actual treatment as it will overide the drug's effectiveness. Following the label directions is important for proper treatment.
Flock Management for Prevention
Coccidiosis is a threat particularly in the spring, when a combination of mild temperatures and damp conditions provides perfect conditions for a flush of oocytes. In the Pacific Northwest, heavy spring rains followed by a warm period sees a rash of new flock owners experiencing this challenge to their bird's health. Flock keeping practices should include regularly cleaning the area where chickens live, by removal of the feces and soiled bedding, ensuring it is kept dry (perhaps install better drainage or a roof to prevent rain), and/or rotate birds to fresh ground frequently. Overcrowding and spending time on muddy ground during the spring creates a high risk for seeing coccidiosis emerge. Standing water should not be allowed in the poultry areas. If an infection occurs, steps must be taken to clean the area of infected material or re-infection will remain a risk.
What is Coccidiosis?
Coccidiosis is the clinical illness caused by infection with a protozoan parasite (genus Eimeria) There are nine types of coccidia which infect chickens. Most of these parasites invade the chicken’s intestinal tract, but some invade other organs, such as the liver and kidney. Chickens become infected by ingesting sporulated oocysts (coccidia "eggs") from the surrounding environment.
When chickens are exposed to coccidia early on, as long as there are not excessive levels present in the environment, they will usually develop a natural immunity, without any treatment necessary. However, if their immune system is lowered due to infection with another disease, stress, or exposure to a new species of coccidia (such as when they move to a new location), or just exposed to high levels of the parasite due to prime weather conditions, they may develop coccidiosis.
Large numbers of coccidia cause damage to the bird's intestinal lining. This causes a disruption of their digestive process, can result in anemia and increased susceptibility to other disease. Quick treatment is important to stop this cascade of ailments.
Signs of Coccidiosis
One of the first signs of coccidiosis is reduced feed and water consumption. The bird will be less active and often goes off on their own and appears hunched up with ruffled feathers. Other signs include a change in the appearance of their droppings, which may be runny and an off-color, or tinged with blood. Blood is not always present, especially in an early stage of the infection, and should not be relied on as a firm diagnostic.
Treatment
Treatment involves good supportive care, to ensure the bird stays well hydrated, as well as use of an anticoccidial agent to reduce the intestinal load quickly. At the same time, flock management practices must be reviewed and updated to reduce the threat of further flock infection.
The most commonly used anti-coccidiostat is Amprolium. This is also the ingredient in medicated chick feed. It is a thiamin blocker, and works by blocking access to the B vitamins that coccidia require for reproduction. The normal treatment is to administer amprolium (often sold under the trade name Corid) for several days, stop, repeat in 2 weeks, then provide a vitamin supplement (such as Nutridrench or PoultryCell) to help replace the bird's vitamin B levels. Any supplement containing vitamin B should not be given during the actual treatment as it will overide the drug's effectiveness. Following the label directions is important for proper treatment.
Flock Management for Prevention
Coccidiosis is a threat particularly in the spring, when a combination of mild temperatures and damp conditions provides perfect conditions for a flush of oocytes. In the Pacific Northwest, heavy spring rains followed by a warm period sees a rash of new flock owners experiencing this challenge to their bird's health. Flock keeping practices should include regularly cleaning the area where chickens live, by removal of the feces and soiled bedding, ensuring it is kept dry (perhaps install better drainage or a roof to prevent rain), and/or rotate birds to fresh ground frequently. Overcrowding and spending time on muddy ground during the spring creates a high risk for seeing coccidiosis emerge. Standing water should not be allowed in the poultry areas. If an infection occurs, steps must be taken to clean the area of infected material or re-infection will remain a risk.