Protect Your Broiler Chickens from Coccidiosis

Coccidiosis is one of the most common diseases that affect broilers, especially in Pakistan. It is caused by a tiny parasite called Eimeria, which infects the intestines of chickens. This disease can spread quickly, causing damage to the bird’s intestines, leading to poor growth, and sometimes even death if not treated properly. In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, prevention, and treatment of Coccidiosis in broilers, along with some helpful products from Arafal Enterprises that can support your birds.

What is Coccidiosis?

Coccidiosis is a parasitic disease caused by protozoa (tiny organisms) called Eimeria that infect the intestines of chickens. Broilers can pick up these parasites from their environment, especially in farms where cleanliness is not properly maintained. Once infected, the parasites multiply in the chicken’s intestines, causing damage and inflammation, which can affect the overall health of the bird.

There are several species of Eimeria that can cause Coccidiosis in broilers, but the most common ones in Pakistan include:

• Eimeria tenella
• Eimeria acervulina
• Eimeria maxima

Causes of Coccidiosis

The primary cause of Coccidiosis is poor hygiene and management on the farm. Here are some common factors that contribute to the spread of this disease:

1. Dirty Litter: The parasites that cause Coccidiosis live in the droppings of infected chickens. If the litter on your farm is not cleaned regularly, healthy birds can get infected by coming into contact with the droppings of sick birds.
2. Wet and Humid Conditions: The Eimeria parasites thrive in wet and humid environments. If your poultry house is not properly ventilated or has wet litter, the chances of Coccidiosis spreading are higher.
3. Crowded Living Conditions: Overcrowding can stress the birds and make them more susceptible to infections like Coccidiosis. It also increases the chances of birds coming into contact with infected droppings.
4. Poor Biosecurity: If you don’t follow strict biosecurity measures on your farm, the disease can easily spread through contaminated equipment, clothing, or visitors.

Symptoms of Coccidiosis in Broilers

The symptoms of Coccidiosis can vary depending on the severity of the infection. Here are some common signs to watch for in your broilers:

• Bloody Droppings: One of the most common signs of Coccidiosis is bloody or watery droppings. This happens because the parasites damage the intestines, causing internal bleeding.
• Pale Comb and Wattles: Infected birds may have pale combs and wattles due to blood loss and anemia caused by the disease.
• Decreased Feed Intake: Chickens infected with Coccidiosis often stop eating or eat much less than usual. This leads to poor growth and weight loss.
• Weakness and Lethargy: Sick birds will often appear weak, listless, and less active. They may sit with ruffled feathers and look tired.
• Poor Growth: Coccidiosis affects the digestive system of the bird, meaning they cannot absorb nutrients from their feed properly. As a result, the birds may not grow as they should.

How to Prevent Coccidiosis

Prevention is key to controlling Coccidiosis in your broilers. Here are some essential steps you can take to reduce the risk of this disease on your farm:

1. Clean Litter Regularly: Keep the litter dry and clean. Remove any wet or soiled bedding regularly to prevent the build-up of parasites in the environment.
2. Proper Ventilation: Ensure your poultry house is well-ventilated to reduce humidity levels. Humid conditions encourage the growth of Eimeria parasites, so good airflow is essential.
3. Practice Biosecurity: Implement strict biosecurity measures on your farm. This includes controlling the movement of people, animals, and equipment in and out of the farm to prevent the spread of infection.
4. Use of Anti-Coccidial Feed Additives: Many poultry feed suppliers offer feed with anti-coccidial additives, which can help prevent the spread of Coccidiosis. Consult your feed supplier for more information.
5. Vaccination: Vaccination against Coccidiosis is available and can be used to protect your flock, especially if you have had problems with this disease in the past. Speak to a poultry veterinarian to see if vaccination is right for your farm.

Treatment of Coccidiosis

If you notice signs of Coccidiosis in your flock, it’s important to act quickly. Treatment often involves the use of anti-coccidial medicines, which help to kill the parasites and stop the infection from spreading.

Here are some of the effective products from Arafal Enterprises that can help treat and manage Coccidiosis in your broilers:

ARATOX

• Composition: Propionic Acid, Lactic Acid, Citric Acid, Sorbitol, Silymarin, Potassium, Vitamin E, Taraxacum Officinale Extract, Lysine, Choline, Curcuma longa Extract, Propylene Glycol, Yeast Cell Wall (Saccharomyces cerevisiae)
• How It Helps: ARATOX is an excellent product for promoting liver health and detoxifying the body. In cases of Coccidiosis, ARATOX can help birds recover faster by supporting their liver function, which is crucial during the healing process. Its combination of acids and antioxidants helps boost immunity and aids in digestion, which is important for broilers recovering from intestinal damage caused by Coccidiosis.

DIUREL SB

• Composition: Methenamine, Ammonium Chloride, Magnesium Sulphate, Sodium Citrate, Vitamin C, Vitamin B2, Vitamin D3
• How It Helps: DIUREL SB can support the health of broilers suffering from dehydration and stress caused by Coccidiosis. It helps balance electrolytes and keeps the birds hydrated, which is essential when they are losing fluids due to diarrhea.

D.Stress

• Composition: Dextrose, Sodium Chloride, Zinc Sulphate, Manganese, Ferrus Sulphate, Vitamin C, Selenium, Potassium Chloride
• How It Helps: Coccidiosis can weaken the immune system and cause stress in broilers. D.Stress helps to replenish vital nutrients and boosts the birds’ immune system, helping them recover from the disease more quickly.

Key Takeaways for Pakistani Farmers

• Coccidiosis is a serious parasitic disease that affects the intestines of broilers, causing diarrhea, weight loss, and even death in severe cases.
• Prevention is key: Keep the farm clean, maintain proper ventilation, and ensure good biosecurity to reduce the risk of infection.
• Watch for symptoms such as bloody droppings, weakness, and poor growth. Early detection and treatment are essential to minimize losses.
• Use of anti-coccidial medicines and supportive products like ARATOX, DIUREL SB, and D.Stress can help manage and treat Coccidiosis in broilers.

By following these guidelines, you can protect your broiler flock from the devastating effects of Coccidiosis and ensure their health and productivity on your farm.

Note: Please do not use any medicine without consulting a qualified veterinary doctor. Always follow professional advice to ensure the safety and health of your poultry.