Coccidiosis in poultry Department of Agriculture - Western Australia Agriculture Western Australia Farmnote Coccidiosis in poultry By Marc Kabay, Veterinary Pathologist, Animal Health Laboratories, South Perth Summary Discusses coccidiosis in poultry, caused by Eimeria species of intestinal parasites. Covers immunity, life cycle of coccidia, symptoms and diagnosis, prevention, treatment and disinfection. Coccidiosis in poultry is an infestation of the intestines. It affects weight gain and feed conversion and may kill birds.
Coccidiosis is common in chickens, turkeys and pheasants, less common in geese, and rare in ducks.
Coccidia of sheep will not infect chickens, nor will coccidia of chickens infect sheep. The infestation is caused by Eimeria species, which are microscopic protozoan parasites. The most important species in poultry are listed in Table 1 . Most infestations under field conditions are mixed infestations, with one species of coccidia dominant. No immunity is passed from parent to progeny.