Epidemiological survey and risk factor analysis on Eimeria infections in calves and young cattle up to 1 year old in Colombia.

Analysis of intrinsic and extrinsic factors influencing the dynamics of bovine Eimeria spp. from central–eastern Poland

Dairy production is an important component of livestock farming in Ethiopia. Nevertheless, the productivity of the sector has been impacted negatively by the morbidity and mortality of replacement animals. A Cross-sectional study was, therefore, aimed at estimating the prevalence of Nematode and Eimeria infection in calves in Hawassa, Shashemene and Arsi Negelle, southern Ethiopia. To this end, a flotation technique was used to recover Nematode egg and Eimeria oocyst from rectally collected faeces. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitic infection, Nematode and Eimeria species collectively, was 43.9% (95% CI=38.6-49.4). The estimated proportion of Nematode, Eimeria and mixed infection was 35.8%, 21.5% and 13.3%, respectively. Among the potential factors considered faecal consistency, age and study area were found to increase recovery of Nematode egg and Eimeria oocyst in faeces (p< 0.05). Area wise, the prevalence has been noted to be higher at Arsi Negelle followed by Hawassa and Shashemene (p< 0.05). Besides, younger and diarrheic calves were found more infected by Nematode and Eimeria species than their adult and non-diarrheic counterpart. Based on their morphological appearance, Strongyle type (20.3%), Trichuris (4.2%) and Ascaris (16.3%) eggs, Eimeria oocysts (21.5%) were observed. In the light of this finding, the authors would like to advise the need for strategic intervention.

Associated risk factors influencing ovine Eimeria infections in southern Spain

Bovine coccidiosis is one of the most common livestock diseases worldwide, and usually affects cattle under one-year-old. High infection rates occur from environments that were already contaminated with infected animals. A study on the prevalence, species and risk of occurrence of Eimeria species in calves was conducted at Asella, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. Management systems, breed, age, sex, and site were considered as variables for the surveillance. For this, fecal samples were collected from 384 randomly selected calves of age less than or equal to 12 months. Sporulation was applied at room temperature for 10-14 days. The flotation technique was applied on fecal samples and these were examined using direct microscopic examination to detect presence of Eimeria species. Eimeria oocysts weredetected in 72.4% of the total samples with ranges of 68-100% prevalence in all factors considered. Ten different Eimeria species were identified: E. bovis (44.5%), E. zuernii (26.3%), E. auburnensis (10.9), E. canadensis (9.4%), E. ellipsoidalis (5.7%), E. subspherica (6.5%), E. cylindrical (3.1%), E. alabamensis (2.6%), E. wyomingensis (2.6%) and E. bukidnonensis (2.1%) in decreasing order of prevalence. Of the 278 positive calves, 52.2% were infected with single species, while 47.8% were infected with 2-4 of identified species. Significantly lower prevalence in calves fed colostrums (71.2%) than those not fed colostrum (100%) (χ2 = 6.3; p 0.05). Infection with one or more species was found to be insignificant in sex, feeding system, and cleaning frequency (p >0.05). The present finding showed the role of early colostrum feeding in a remarkable reduction of coccidiosis. However, the majority of assessed factors had a great contribution for the contamination and maintenance of Eimeria on the farm and its primes at 68.4%-100%, with high risk of infection to subsequent calves. Moreover, the occurrence of infection, with single (52.2%) to multiple of four (1.4%) pathogenic Eimeria spp. in positive cases, indicated the downside of substandard management systems, making calves prone to subclinical cases thus hampering growth and health, with considerable economic losses. Therefore, early feeding with sufficient amount of colostrum, practicing good management in calves and implementation of proper hygienic measures in their environments should be recommended to reduce direct and indirect economic losses from the infection. Key words: Eimeria , epidemiology, prevalence, calves, infection, sporulated oocyst, Asella

Coccidiosis is known to affect a wide range of animals including chickens. This study was designed to determine the nation-wide prevalence and clinico-histopathological changes associated with Eimeria infections in commercial laying birds in Nigeria. One Thousand eight hundred and forty-three (1843) commercial laying chickens from 28 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Nigeria, between 2007 and 2016 were examined for the presence of Eimeria parasites and for clinicopathological lesions. Simple flotation and the McMaster techniques were used to confirm the presence of Eimeria oocysts and estimate the oocyst load. Positive samples were sporulated for the purpose of species differentiation. Gross and histopathology were carried out accordingly. Two hundred and seven (207) faecal samples/carcasses were positive for Eimeria infections (11.23%; 95% CI = 9.87-12.75). Eimeria tenella and E. necatrix were the most prevalent species. The highest mean oocyst per gram (OPG) was recorded in E. acervulina (5260.87 (± 1838.35)). The prevalence of Eimeria infections in commercial laying birds within the states ranged between 4.4% (Kaduna State), and 33% (Ebonyi and Lagos States), and 21.1% in FCT. There was a higher prevalence of Eimeria infections in commercial laying birds that are less than 1year compared to those above a year. Eimeria infections was 2.19 times more likely to occur during the wet season compared to the dry season (95% CI = 1.59-3.06; χ2 = 23.29; P = < 0.01). One hundred and eighty-five (185) carcasses showed moderate petechiae to ecchymotic intestinal/caecal mucosa, while 22 carcasses showed severe petechiae to ecchymotic intestinal/caecal mucosa with bloody intestinal lumen. This study appears to be the first nation-wide study on the prevalence and clinico-histopathological changes associated with Eimeria infections in commercial laying chickens in Nigeria.

A survey of gastrointestinal parasite infections of young (< 6 months old), immature (6-12 months old) and adult (> 12 months old) dairy cattle on 16 farms in Kiambu District, Kenya was conducted during a dry season (September 1991 to January 1992) and during a wet season (March to July 1992). The survey was based on monthly coproparasitological examination of cohorts and worm counts in tracer calves. The effects of age, sex, farm and season on the prevalence and intensity of helminth and coccidial infections were determined. Faecal egg and oocyst counts revealed that the overall prevalences were: strongyles (including trichostrongyles) (85.5%), liver flukes (Fasciola gigantica) (34.0%), coccidia (30.9%) and tapeworms (9.6%). Eight species of the protozoan Eimeria were identified, the most prevalent species being E. bovis and E. zuernii. The most prevalent nematode genera were Haemonchus, Cooperia, Oesophagostomum and Trichostrongylus. Season, farm and age of the animals had a significant (p<0.05) influence on the intensity of infection with strongyles, liver flukes and coccidia, whereas the sex of the animals had no significant (p>0.05) effect on the prevalence or intensity of infections. A higher intensity of infection with strongyles and coccidia was found in the wet season than in the dry season (p<0.05). The age-specific intensity was in the following order: for strongyles, immature animals of 6-12 months of age had the highest egg counts, followed by young calves and adults. Calves had significantly (p<0.05) higher oocyst counts than immatures or adults. Liver fluke egg counts did not differ significant (p>0.05) between immatures and adult cattle.

Coccidiosis caused by Eimeria species is a major form of intestinal infection affecting intensively and semi-intensively reared goats. The province of Alentejo is the main goat-producing area in Portugal. Therefore, all 15 Serpentina goat farms in Alentejo were analyzed regarding the occurrence and diversity of Eimeria species. Fecal samples obtained from 144 animals (52.1% dairy goats, 47.9% pre-pubertal goats) were examined using the modified McMaster technique to determine the number of oocysts per gram of feces. Eimeria spp. oocysts were present in 98.61% of the fecal samples and, overall, nine different Eimeria species were identified. The most prevalent species were E. ninakohlyakimovae (88%) and E. arloingi (85%), followed by E. alijevi (63%) and E. caprovina (63%). The average number of oocysts shed was significantly lower in dairy goats than in pre-adult animals. Astonishingly, no clinical signs of coccidiosis were observed in any of the animals examined, even though they were shedding high numbers of oocysts and were infected with highly pathogenic species. Thus, implementation of routine diagnostic investigation of the occurrence and diversity of caprine Eimeria species may be a useful tool for determination and better understanding of their potential economic impact on goat herds in southern Portugal.

Simple SummaryMycoplasma bovis is an emerging pathogen of economic and welfare concern for both adult and young cattle. A study was conducted to determine the prevalence of M. bovis in adult cows and calves in the southwest region of Western Australia. Nasal swabs and blood samples were collected from the animals and bulk tank milk samples were assessed for both seroprevalence and active infections of M. bovis infections in adult cows and calves. The study recorded a high seroprevalence of M. bovis in 699 apparently healthy adult lactating cows and 495 young calves on 29 dairy farms. The herd-level seroprevalence was also detected as being higher in both adult lactating cows and calves. No current active infections were recorded on the farms. The female calves and pure Holstein–Friesian animals were found to be twice as likely to be seropositive for M. bovis compared to male calves and the Holstein–Friesian crossbred calves. The high seroprevalence of M. bovis in both adult and young cattle in the southwest dairy farms of Western Australia warrants more effective farm biosecurity measures and further evaluation of the current prevention and management measures practiced on the farms.Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis) can cause a multitude of diseases in cattle, with detrimental effects on the farm economy and the welfare of both adult and young cattle. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of M. bovis in adult cows and calves in the south-west region of Western Australia. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 29 dairy farms with 699 apparently healthy adult lactating cows and 495 young calves during 2019–2020. Nasal swabs and blood samples collected from the animals and bulk tank milk (BTM) samples were assessed for M. bovis-specific proteins and antibodies by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Mycoplasma immunogenic lipase A- Enzyme-Linked Immune Sorbent Assay (MilA ELISA). A seroprevalence of 42.5% (95% CI: 38.9–46.2) and 61% (95% CI: 56.6–65.2) was found in adult lactating cows and calves, respectively. The herd-level seroprevalence of M. bovis ranged from 4% (95% CI: 07–19.5) to 92% (95% CI: 75.0–97.8) in adult lactating cows and 25% (95% CI: 10.2–49.5) to 87% (95% CI: 67.9–95.5) for calves in these farms. None of the BTM and nasal swab samples were positive for M. bovis, indicating an absence of any current active infections on the farms. The female calves and pure Holstein–Friesian animals are twice as likely to be seropositive for M. bovis compared to male calves (OR 2.4; 95% CI: 1.7–3.5) and Holstein–Friesian crossbred calves (OR 2.4; 95% CI: 1.7–3.5). The high seroprevalence in both adult and young cattle in the southwest dairy farms of Western Australia warrants more effective farm biosecurity measures and further evaluation of the current prevention and management measures practiced on the farms.

Eimeria spp. cause the disease coccidiosis, which results in chronic wasting of livestock and can lead to the death of the animal. The disease, common worldwide, has caused huge economic losses to the cattle industry in particular. This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of bovine Eimeria in China. Our search of five databases including PubMed, ScienceDirect, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chongqing VIP, and Wan Fang for articles published up to February 29, 2020 on the prevalence of Eimeria in cattle in mainland China yielded 46 articles, in which the prevalence of cattle ranged from 4.6% to 87.5%. The rate of bovine Eimeria infection has been decreasing year by year, from 57.9% before 2000 to 25.0% after 2015, but it is still high. We also analyzed the region, sampling years, detection methods, feeding model, seasons, and species of bovine Eimeria. We recommend that prevention strategies should focus on strengthening detection of Eimeria in calves in the intensive farming model.

A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the prevalence, species characterization, and associated risk factors with Eimeria of cattle of district Toba Tek Singh from April, 2009 to March, 2010. Of the total 584 fecal samples examined for Eimeria, 275 (47.09%) were found infected with six species of Eimeria. Among the identified species of Eimeria, Eimeria bovis was found to be the highest prevalent species (52.36%), followed in order by Eimeria zuernii, Eimeria canadensis, Eimeria ellipsoidalis, Eimeria alabamensis, and Eimeria cylindrica with prevalence of 48.27%, 34.83%, 29.31%, 24.14%, and 8.62% respectively. Peak prevalence was observed in August. Cattle were infected more frequently during rainy (60.32%) and post-rainy seasons (59.25%). Calves had significantly higher prevalence (P<0.05) of Eimeria than adults while higher prevalence of Eimeria was observed in female cattle. Among management and husbandry practices, feeding system, watering system, housing system, floor type, and herd size strongly influenced the prevalence of Eimeria in cattle. Coccidiosis was more prevalent in ground feeding system, pond-watered animals, closed housing system, and non-cemented floor type (P<0.05) as compared to trough feeding system, tap watered animals, open housing system, and partially cemented floor types, respectively. Breed and body condition of animals were not found risk factors (P>0.05) influencing prevalence of Eimeria.

Aim:The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence and intensity of rabbit coccidiosis (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in North Algeria.Materials and Methods:During the study, 40 rabbit farms were investigated. The farms are located in the provinces of Tizi Ouzou, Médéa, and Djelfa which distributed, respectively, into three regions: East Tell Atlas Mountains, Central Tell Atlas Mountains, and High Plateaus. The number of oocyst per gram of feces (OPG) was determined by McMaster technique, and the Eimeria species were identified using morphological criteria.Results:In the farms investigated, the prevalence of coccidian infection was estimated to 90% (80.7-99.3%) in rabbits after weaning. The classification of the farms according to their parasite load allowed us to show that 37.5% of the prospective farms have an oocyst excretion between 104 and 5×104 oocysts per gram and 22.5% excrete >5×104 oocysts per gram. Excretion levels by region show that the region of East Tel Atlas Mountains ranks first with 79% of farms with a parasitic load >104 coccidians compared to the regions of Central Tel Atlas Mountains and High Plateaus. In total, eight species of Eimeria were identified from oocyst-positive samples. Mixed infections with four Eimeria species were common. E. magna is the dominant species in comparison with E. media and E. irresidua with respective frequencies of 42.5% and 17.6% and 14.9% (p<0.001). Our results showed that the farms using anticoccidial drugs for their rabbits were low (25%) and the percentage of farms with poor hygienic conditions was 65%. There was a significant association between increased oocysts excretion and control measures of coccidian infection.Conclusion:The study revealed an overall prevalence of 90% in the three Algerian regions. A strong association was observed between Eimeria infection and hygienic status and preventional chemotherapy.

BackgroundBovine eimeriosis is thought to be very important for the productivity and health of cattle all over the world. Despite the importance of cattle farming in Sylhet, little is known about the prevalence of bovine Eimeria spp. and the risk factors connected with it.ObjectivesWe conducted a study to evaluate the prevalence, species diversity and associated risk factors of Eimeria spp. in a population of 50 cattle farms from 12 upazilas (sub‐district) in Sylhet district.MethodsFaecal samples were collected randomly from a total of 554 calves ranging in age from 1 month to 2 years old during a period of 7 months. We used Flotation and McMaster techniques for parasitological examination. Species identification was done by using their morphological and morphometric characteristics.ResultsOut of 554 calves, 308 were found to be positive for Eimeria species (55.60%). Seven species of Eimeria were identified. Among the identified species, E. bovis (38.98%), E. zuernii (26.17%) and E. alabamensis (22.38%) were found to be the most prevalent species. Mixed and species‐specific Eimeria infection were (24.73%; 95% CI 21.32–28.49) and (30.87%; 95% CI 27.17–34.84), respectively. In addition, the highest prevalence was observed at Zakigonj (68%; 95% CI 58.34–76.33) and the lowest at Companygonj (40%; 95% CI 30.94–49.80). Eimeria species intensity ranged between 50 and 76,550 oocyst per gram of faeces. Analysis of associated risk factors by using multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that age, gender and body condition were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with Eimeria infection.ConclusionsBased on these present findings, it can be assumed that ‘coccidia belong to the most prevalent pathogens in the population of calves in the study area’. Thus, the findings of this study could be used as tools for adoptive surveillance and effective control and prevention of the disease in cattle populations in this region.

A cross sectional study was conducted from November 2014 to April 2015 in and around Bahir Dar town to determine the prevalence of Coccidia infection in calves and to identify associated risk factors. Fecal samples were collected from a total of 384 randomly selected calves with the age of under 2 years. Collected fecal samples were examined for the presence of Eimeria oocyst by flotation technique. Out of 384 calves, 73 (19.01%) were found to be positive for Eimeria oocyst. Analysis of potential risk factors has revealed that; there was statistically significant difference (P 0.05) between coccidia infection with sex and breed of calves. In conclusion, the present finding has demonstrated that calf coccidia are one of the most important pathogens in calves in the study area. Therefore, further epidemiological investigations are required to determine the Eimeria species composition and different agro ecological risk factor on the occurrence of the disease.

RESUMO: A principal importância da eimeriose em bovinos, se deve ao baixo desempenho produtivo que os animais demonstram quando esta enfermidade apresenta-se sob a forma sub-clínica. Como objetivos, o presente trabalho avaliou a eficácia do uso da lasalocida sódica contra espécies de Eimeria spp. parasitando bezerros; avaliou também o desempenho ponderal dos animais submetidos aos diferentes tratamentos e analisou alguns fatores epidemiológicos que possam interferir na infecção por Eimeria nos bezerros. Foram utilizados 288 bezerros no dia 0 do estudo. Os animais pertencentes ao tratamento 01 receberam sal mineral proteinado de baixo consumo sem adição de lasalocida, enquanto que os bezerros do Tratamento 02 sal mineral proteinado de baixo consumo, com adição de lasalocida sódica, administrado via oral para bezerros dos quatro/cinco/seis meses até dez meses de idade. Colheita de fezes e pesagem dos animais foram realizadas nos dias 0 (antes do início do experimento), na desmama, 30 e 60 dias após desmama (DPD). A avaliação de alguns fatores epidemiológicos que pudessem ser relacionados com a infecção por Eimeria spp nos bezerros, como o desmame, sexo e época do ano, foram analisados neste estudo, levando-se em consideração os resultados encontrados durante todo estudo, para os 144 animais pertencentes ao grupo controle. Foram identificadas nove espécies de Eimeria nos bezerros em ordem decrescente: E. brasiliensis, E. wyomingensis, E. bovis, E. canadenses, E. zuernii, E. auburnensis, E. ellipsoidalis, E. pellita e E. cylindrica. Inesperadamente, diminuição na carga parasitária dos animais pode ser observada após o desmame. Mesmo a fazenda não adotando medidas de manejo que visam maior produtividade como a Inseminação Artificial em Tempo Fixo, que por sua vez acaba aumentando o número de nascimentos e unidade animal/hectare em uma determinada época do ano, elevado parasitismo pelo coccídio em questão foi diagnosticado nos bezerros pertencentes ao grupo controle. Talvez a época do ano em que o estudo foi realizado pode ter influenciado neste aspecto. As contagens de oocistos por grama (OoPG) de fezes para Eimeria dos animais tratados com lasalocida foram estatisticamente inferiores (P≤ 0,05) as do grupo controle após o início do estudo. O composto alcançou eficácia ≥ 95% contra o parasito em questão. No final do estudo, os animais que receberam lasalocida ganharam em média, 7,2kg a mais (P≤ 0,05) que os bezerros pertencentes ao grupo controle. Em propriedades que tem como objetivo a venda de bezerros logo após a desmama, recomenda-se o início do tratamento com a lasalocida, junto ao creep-feeding, a partir de três messes de idade, uma vez que diferencial no ganho em peso médio dos bezerros tratados foi significativamente (P≤ 0,05) mais elevado, em comparação ao grupo controle, após cinco meses de tratamento com o referido composto. Apesar de a lasalocida ser utilizada como um aditivo alimentar para animais, a diferença no ganho em peso vivo médio entre animais tratados com a lasalocida, em comparação a animais pertencentes ao grupo controle, também pode ser relacionada, em partes, a infecção dos animais por Eimeria spp., conforme discutido neste artigo, entretanto, futuros estudos devem ser conduzidos para comprovar esta hipótese.

In the present study five Eimeria species viz. Eimeria tenella, E. acervulina, E. necatrix, E. maxima and E. brunetti responsible for coccidiosis are reported and its general prevalence was found to be 24 percent. Among the five Eimeria species, prevalence of E. tenella was recorded to be the highest (25%), followed by E. acervulina (15%), E. necatrix (10%). E. maxima (7%) and E. brunetti (3%). Altogether 400 stool samples (dropping) were collected by random sampling methods from four poultry farms. These samples were preserved in preservative solution (2% potassium dichromate solution). Stool samples were examined by thin feacal smear methods. There were altogether 96 cases of coccidiosis of which 25% were caecal, 35% intestinal and 40% mixed. Prevalence of coccidiosis was recorded in all the 12 months and four seasons of the study period. The highest (38%) prevalence rate was found in the month of July and the lowest (5.71%) in the month of October. The difference in monthly prevalence of Eimeria was insignificant (x2 =19.675, P&lt;0.05). Similarly season wise prevalence showed the highest (35%) prevalence rate in the spring season followed by summer (25%), winter (23%) and autumn (12%). Season-wise difference in prevalence of Eimeria was found to be insignificant (x2= 7.815, P&gt; 0.05). The age- wise prevalence was the highest (34.66%) in 61 weeks above chicken, followed by 30% in the 46-60 weeks age group, 22.5% in the 31-45 weeks age group, 17.14% in the 0-15 weeks age group and 15.78% in the 16-30 weeks age group. The difference in age- wise prevalence was found to be insignificant (x2= 9.488,P&gt; 0.05). J. Nat. Hist. Mus. Vol. 28, 2014: 66-72