Preventing and controlling coccidiosis also requires the “four diagnostic methods”: inspection, auscultation and olfaction, inquiry, and palpation.

“Wherever there are chickens, there is coccidiosis.” This statement is no exaggeration; coccidiosis inflicts significant annual losses on the poultry industry. During broiler production, many farmers have experienced outbreaks at critical junctures—such as during flock transfers, feed changes, vaccination, or when weather fluctuates between cold and hot. Particularly in winter, poor ventilation exacerbates the problem, while in summer, humid, hot, and rainy conditions further intensify its impact. As a result, most producers suffer greatly from coccidiosis, and the associated hardships are often difficult to bear. Moreover, the patterns of coccidial outbreaks can be traced and predicted.

“Hope”

Observe whether the litter in the chicken house is damp, as warm, humid conditions promote the growth and development of coccidia. During active immunization, it is important to maintain an appropriate level of moisture in the litter; the ideal consistency is when the litter can be firmly compressed into a clump by hand and disperses upon release. In the early stages of coccidiosis, affected flocks often exhibit increased thirst and reduced feed intake. During morning feeding, observe that the birds’ competition for water is more pronounced than their competition for feed, while also noting a decline in both eating speed and overall feed consumption. Pay close attention to the color of the droppings; keep in mind that intestinal coccidiosis typically results in feed‑like feces, whereas cecal coccidiosis usually produces bloody stools. Finally, monitor for signs such as closed eyes and retracted necks, ruffled feathers, shivering or aversion to cold, standing motionless, or huddling together.

“Hear”

Coccidiosis often causes intestinal damage in poultry, leading to diarrhea and producing feces with a foul, unpleasant odor. When the bedding becomes damp, a strong ammonia smell or a musty, moldy odor can be detected inside the chicken house, which is especially pronounced in poorly ventilated conditions.

“Ask”

When sick chickens are driven, they often exhibit sluggish responses and reduced sensitivity to external stimuli. Post-mortem examination of dead birds reveals that cecal coccidiosis typically causes dilation and thickening of the small intestinal wall, with hemorrhagic spots on the mucosa and carrot‑colored contents in the lumen. Cecal coccidiosis also leads to marked enlargement of the ceca, filled with either clotted or fresh dark red blood. Collect freshly passed feces or sample the intestinal tract to monitor the number of coccidian oocysts.

“Cut”

Coccidiosis impairs the chicken’s digestive capacity; upon palpation of the crop, one often finds undigested feed from the previous day or a full accumulation of fluid. Affected chickens typically exhibit depression and, when picked up, may struggle weakly or not at all.

Control of coccidiosis in chickens should emphasize an integrated approach that combines prevention and treatment. By improving the rearing environment and implementing proper husbandry practices, the impact of coccidia on production can be minimized. Maintain an appropriate stocking density, and employ measures such as ventilation and misting to manage litter moisture levels. When relocating flocks or expanding the flock size, proactively immunize the birds and ensure that “the litter moves with the birds” to synchronize coccidian development across the entire operation.

Emphasize disinfection of poultry houses to prevent mixed infections with other bacterial diseases and coccidiosis, which can exacerbate the impact of coccidiosis. The development of anticoccidial drugs has been a major breakthrough for the poultry industry in controlling coccidiosis; by appropriately incorporating ion‑based or chemically synthesized anticoccidials into feed, coccidiosis can be effectively prevented.

(This article was provided by the KERUN Sales Department. We welcome submissions of professional articles from all contributors.)