Prevalence of Poultry Coccidiosis in Addis Ababa Poultry Farms

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.