Gross and Histopathological Changes Associated with Coccidiosis in a Poultry Farm in Amritsar

Coccidiosis is caused by protozoan parasite belonging to family Eimeriidae and in poultry; most species belongs to genus Eimeria which produces lesions in various sites in the intestine. This could lead to severe damage in the intestinal tract eventually causing death of affected birds. The present study was carried out in Instructional livestock farm complex (ILFC) poultry farm of Khalsa veterinary college in birds greater than 6 weeks of to study the gross and histopathological changes associated with coccidia affected birds. All birds were belonging to White leg horn breed (WLH). Faecal samples were analysed by wet smear and flotation technique and intestinal tissues were collected for further examination. Out of 145 samples analysed 43 were found to be positive for Eimeria species infection. Grossly caeca was filled with blood tinged contents and showed ballooning. Other intestinal portions showed few pin pointed and diffused haemorrhages. Histopathological examination of intestine revealed inflammatory cells, haemorrhages along with coccidia eggs. The presence of coccidia could lead to great economic losses in poultry farm. Thus the farm management authority was advised to check for wet litter, adopt proper hygienic practices and reduce the stocking density of birds.

• Eimeria infections are mainly found only in intestines.

• They are characterized by accumulation of blood in caeca, clotted blood with tissue debris and oocyst in mucosal core.