Abstract:
In the period spanning from July to October 2013, a survey was conducted in the Minna metropolis of Niger State, Nigeria, with the objective of ascertaining the prevalence and severity of coccidiosis among poultry birds. A comprehensive collection of 450 fresh fecal droppings and 80 carcasses was obtained from 12 distinct poultry farms in Minna and subjected to meticulous parasitological analysis. Among the 450 fecal samples procured, it was observed that 166 (36.3%) were afflicted with oocysts of Coccidia. The overall geometric mean intensity of infection was calculated to be 8.12 oocysts/3g of feces. Interestingly, the prevalence of infection was marginally higher in adult birds (37.2%) compared to their younger counterparts (36.5%). Notably, there was no statistically significant difference (P<0.05) in the intensity of infection between these age groups.
The examination of post-mortem specimens yielded several Eimeria species, including Eimeria tenella, E. maxima, E. acevulina, E. necatrix, and E. mitis. The aggregate prevalence of infection from these post-mortem examinations was determined to be 66.3%. Of these species, E. tenella exhibited a higher prevalence than the others. The overall geometric mean intensity was calculated as 8.33 oocysts/1g of feces, yet this disparity in oocyst counts was not statistically significant (P<0.05).
Furthermore, it is noteworthy that an overall prevalence of 55.6% was associated with single infections, while mixed infections of Eimeria species were observed at a prevalence of 44.4% in the post-mortem examinations. In conclusion, this study underscores the significance of coccidiosis as a prevalent poultry disease in the study area and suggests the imperative need for the formulation of effective control and treatment strategies to mitigate its impact.
ASSESSING COCCIDIAL INFECTIONS IN POULTRY OF MINNA CITY, NIGERIA. GET MORE, ACTUARIAL SCIENCE PROJECT TOPICS AND MATERIALS
