Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Eimeria Species of Chicken in Lagos, Southwest, Nigeria.

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Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Eimeria Species of Chicken in Lagos, Southwest, Nigeria.

Authors

OO Adeyemi¹; ET Idowu¹; B Akinsanya¹; ID Jatau³; DP Blake²; ¹ University of Lagos, Nigeria; ² Royal Veterinary College, UK; ³ Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria

Discussion

Coccidiosis is an intestinal disease caused by apicomplexans of the genus Eimeria that affects chicken health and productivity globally. Here, we determined the occurrence and diversity of Eimeria parasites of chicken, and accessed associated risk factors in Lagos, Nigeria. Pooled faecal/litter samples were collected from 245 chicken flocks selected at random from 137 chicken farms. Samples were screened by microscopy for Eimeria oocysts after salt floatation. Oocyst enumeration per gram (OPG) faeces was estimated and oocyst length/width measurements taken for species identification. Our findings revealed farm and flock prevalence of 56.2% and 45.3% respectively, with average oocyst count of 1.5x10⁴±7.3x10⁴opg per flock. Broiler flocks had the highest mean oocyst counts (4.8x10⁴±1.6x10⁵opg). Birds less than five weeks (64.7%) and those between six and ten weeks (68.8%) were observed to have higher prevalence of infection when compared to older birds. Oocyst counts were highest in chicks up to five weeks (2.8x10⁴±4.7x10⁴opg). Larger flocks had a significantly higher number of oocysts (4.1x10⁴±2.8x10⁴opg) compared to smaller flocks (6.6x10³±1.3x10⁴opg) (P<0.05). Higher mean oocyst counts were found in deep litter systems (3.0x10⁴±1.2x10⁵opg) than battery cages (6.8x10³±1.9x10⁴opg). All seven species recognized to infect chicken were detected: E. maxima (35%), E. brunetti (34%), E. mitis (28%), E. necatrix (26%), E. acervulina (24%), E. tenella (18%) and E. praecox (11%). Mixed species infections were more common than single species. We show that Eimeria species are circulating among chicken reared in commercial poultry establishments in Lagos State and suggest that urgent steps be taken to address the situation.

Keywords: Coccidiosis, Prevalence, Chicken, Eimeria species, Nigeria.

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