Coccidiosis

A very widespread parasitic disease of birds caused by coccidia of the genus Eimeria; infection occurs by ingestion of mature oocysts that are very resistant in the environment; microscopic parasites live in the epithelium of the digestive tract where they multiply and cause inflammation accompanied by bloody diarrhea, listlessness, inappetence and death especially in young poultry 3–4 weeks old; basic prevention is strict hygiene and the use of anticoccidials.