Prevalence of bovine coccidiosis at Patna

Prevalence of bovine coccidiosis among cattle (20.76%) and buffaloes (25%) was investigated at Patna (Bihar) and its surrounding areas. Screening of 562 faecal samples and 18 intestinal scrapings were carried out during monsoon and post monsoon months followed by summer and winter seasons in cattle and buffaloes. Occurrence of subclinical or clinical coccidiosis was observed higher in young animals (412 months), however clinical coccidiosis was more pronounced in calves aged between 3–6 months. Female animals were found be more susceptible, but impact of sex was non significant in the present study. Prevalence of coccidiosis was higher in stall-fed in comparison to free range cattle, whereas, reverse was the case in buffaloes. Four species of Eimeria were identified in cattle and buffalo. E. zuernii (62%) was most prevalent followed by E. bovis (45%), E. ellipsoidalis (40%) and E. subsphesica (10%).