Why coccidiosis in chickens cannot be prevented
Can you recognize the symptoms of coccidiosis in your chickens? Weight loss, sitting puffed up, and looking unwell. With these symptoms, it is possible that your chicken has coccidiosis. Read in this blog what coccidiosis is, how a chicken becomes infected, and why an infection cannot be prevented.
Coccidiosis
22 April '22 • 2 min reading time
What is coccidiosis in chickens?
The single-celled intestinal parasite Eimeria is the cause of coccidiosis in chickens. This parasite is commonly present and survives in the environment in a form (called oocyst) that is highly resistant to environmental influences. Oocysts can still cause disease problems after weeks (in manure) or months (in soil). They settle in the intestines of the chicken. This damages the intestinal wall of the chicken, resulting in poor nutrient absorption and internal bleeding and infections. Without treatment, coccidiosis can be fatal for chickens. Damp areas around water troughs (especially in warm, humid weather) are a contamination site. However, the droppings of infected chickens are also a source of contamination and lead to the rapid spread of coccidiosis. The symptoms of coccidiosis are very similar to those of a worm infection, which can sometimes make it difficult to identify the problem. The symptoms do not all manifest and depend on the severity of the infection. In coccidiosis, chickens exhibit: a sick appearance, lethargy, huddling, feeling cold, weight loss, and experiencing thin, bloody droppings.
Coccidiosis in Chickens is Unpreventable
Unfortunately, it is not possible to prevent coccidiosis in chickens. It can happen to any chicken. However, the risk of the disease can be reduced by taking a number of measures: Prevent a damp environment: coccidiosis thrives best in a warm and humid environment, so ensure that the coop is clean and dry. Also, make sure that the areas around the drinking trough remain dry. Improve the gut health of the chicken by adding a supplement to the drinking water weekly. This makes chickens more resilient and less susceptible to diseases. This supplement is based on turmeric, artemisia, thyme, and allium. Keep the coop clean. Infection often occurs through chicken droppings, so make sure the coop is cleaned regularly and that drinking and feeding troughs are well sanitized. Do not overcrowd the coop. The more chickens are crammed together, the faster an infection spreads. Ensure there is enough space. Be aware that wild birds can also carry coccidiosis. Therefore, make sure that no droppings from wild birds can enter the run.
Treatment of coccidiosis
Have your chickens contracted a coccidiosis infection? Unfortunately, coccidiosis is a disease that is difficult to get rid of. This is because the oocysts are resistant to most disinfectants. As a result, the oocysts may remain present in the chicken coop. Therefore, keeping the chicken coop clean is the most important aspect of treating coccidiosis, alongside optimizing gut health. You can do this naturally with a liquid supplement, which helps to optimize gut health. This way, oocysts and worms are less able to settle in the intestinal wall and are expelled through the feces. Additionally, apply the measures mentioned above and be extra consistent with cleaning the manure. You may also use a steam cleaner for cleaning.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, coccidiosis cannot be prevented, but by taking measures you can reduce the risk of coccidiosis. Ensure that the gut health of the chickens remains high and that the chickens' environment is clean and dry. A natural supplement is particularly suitable for preventive use to thicken the intestinal wall so that oocysts and worms are less able to settle. This is done twice a week through the drinking water and is based on natural ingredients.
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