Epidemiology and Microscopic Characterization of Eimeria Species from Chickens in District Sialkot, Pakistan: Epidemiology and Characterization of Eimeria in Chickens

Asma Waheed Qureshi; Meerub Sarfraz

doi:10.54393/mjz.v6i4.205

Authors

Asma Waheed Qureshi Department of Zoology, Government College Women University, Sialkot, Pakistan
Meerub Sarfraz Department of Zoology, Government College Women University, Sialkot, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54393/mjz.v6i4.205

Keywords:

Coccidiosis, Eimeria, Prevalence, Oocysts

Abstract

Coccidiosis is an illness that affects poultry, leading to huge economic losses, and is exhibited by protozoans belonging to the genus Eimeria. Objectives: The study was designed to identify the incidence of coccidiosis in the District Sialkot chicken and Eimeria species, as well as to determine the relationship between age and seasonal change. Methods: 250 fecal samples were obtained in the period between August 2019 and January 2020. The samples were treated by the methods of sedimentation and flotation. Chi-square and correlation were used to test associations between risk factors and disease events. Results: 250 samples were positive, with 117 (46.8) samples containing Eimeria oocysts. The prevalence was 45, 52.72, 60, 42, 36, and 20 during August to January, with the highest prevalence in October and the lowest prevalence being in January. The rate of infection was more significant in 13-month-olds (56.12) than that of 5 to 6 months (46.59) and 13 months or more (32.81), with a significant age correlation (P = 0.01). Five species of Eimeria were identified: E. maxima, E. acervulina, E. mitis, E. tenella, and E. necatrix. Conclusions: The prevalence of coccidiosis is much higher in District Sialkot, particularly in young chickens and peak months. The results are valuable epidemiological insights that could be used in prevention and control measures to reduce economic costs.

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