Identification of worm species based on appearance and size of eggs has limitations in that all stomach and some intestinal worm eggs look alike. These coccidia are collectively referred to as Eimeria bovis as the target because of its common occurrence and potential for causing enteritis, including blood-tinged scouring. Fewer numbers of microorganisms are produced per cell, but millions of host cells may now have become infected. By this time, scouring and blood loss could have occurred as there is breakdown in the integrity of the gut lining with dehydration and blood loss anemia. Disease also is enhanced by the stress of weaning, feed and water deprivation, shipping and worm parasitism.
Some light exposure allows for a mild infection and prepares an immune response to coccidia.
Anticoccidial drugs may prevent parasite invasion of cells and impair development. These are designed for the treatment of coccidiosis in the face of an outbreak or for prevention when conducive conditions prevail. Because oocyst production is not directly affected by anticoccidial drugs, oocysts may continue to be passed for a short period following treatment. Because anticoccidial drugs are primarily coccidiostatic rather than coccidiocidal, resumption of cycling may occur for a short time but with fewer oocysts produced and passed. If contamination is minimized, reinfections will be lighter, of less clinical consequence and will allow for immune response.