Abstract:
A cross sectional study was conducted to determines the prevalence of coccidiosis and its
associated risk factors in Addis Ababa town from October 2009 to March, 2010. Flotation and McMaster
counting techniques were used for qualitative and quantitative studies, respectively. The study involved
questionnaire survey, fecal examination. In the present study a total of 384 chickens were examined those reared
under intensive management system. Out of the 384 chicken examined, 106 (27.6%) were positive for coccidian
parasites. The prevalence increased with the age of the chickens. Chickens with 8-30 days of age showed the
highest prevalence of coccidiosis (41%). The prevalence rate of coccidiosis was higher in floor housing system
(44.5%) comparing with caged system. Statistical analysis revealed that the distribution of coccidiosis in
chickens was highly significant (P < 0.01) between the age groups and types of housing system. The mean
oocysts count per gram of faeces was significantly (P< 0.05) higher in young than adult birds. The findings
suggested that coccidiosis was a common health problem in grower layer chickens and in floor housing system.
Various managerial problems that are associated with this prevalence of coccidiosis are identified and
appropriate control strategies are recommended.
