Coccidiosis is found primarily in housed calves where feces are allowed to accumulate in pens such that disharged oocysts have time to sporulate setting up conditions of constant reinfection with a build up to pathogenic levels. The key to control is good sanitation, since oocysts are spread primarily by fecal contamination of feed and water. The emphasis is on clean, dry environments with avoidance of overcrowding particularly around water sources in pens or on pastures. Clinical coccidiosis does occur, albeit occasionally, in older cattle. Outbreaks are usually associated with stress e.g. shipping, overcrowding, feed changes, and weather changes.
Prophylactic medication is a useful practice in stress situations.
In serious situations, recovery can be rather slow. In the event of a coccidiosis outbreak, a clinical diagnosis should be confirmed by finding oocysts in feces of hosts.