Prevalence of Eimeria oocysts among broiler and layer flocks in selected poultry farms in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

Coccidiosis is an important enteric parasitic disease associated with significant economic losses to poultry farmers worldwide. This study evaluated the prevalence of coccidian infection in broilers and layers in Makurdi. A total of 228 fresh feacal samples were randomly collected from some selected farms in Makurdi and examined in the laboratory for the presence of Eimeria oocyst using simple floatation technique. The overall prevalence due to natural infection was 58.3%. Out of the 114 broilers and 114 layers sampled 62/114 (54.4%) broilers and 71/114 (62.3%) layers had Eimeria oocysts infection, respectively with layers having the highest prevalence. The age group prevalence showed that 1-4 weeks old broilers and 25-30 weeks layers had the highest prevalence. Significant differences in infection rate were seen in broilers (p˂0.05) but no statistical difference was observed among ages of layer chickens and coccidiostat administration history. The study concludes that the parasite is endemic in Makurdi town and proper control measures with good biosecurity practices and prophylactic anticoccidial programs must be implemented to reduce economic loss to the poultry farmers.