History of Avian Medicine in the United States. X. Control of Coccidiosis

Fifty years ago, coccidiosis was probably the most feared disease of advanced poultry producers of that day. Because of the discovery and use of preventive chemotherapy, that fear is no longer all-consuming. However, improving methods for controlling these protozoan parasites remains high on priority lists requesting new research from the poultry industry. Severe mortality losses have become less frequent, but decreased production efficiency continues to produce morbidity losses due to coccidial infections. The industry has found that use of an anticoccidial drug is generally cost-effective as insurance against losses. However, the recurring expenditure for feed medication in largescale broiler production reminds producers that control of this disease will be a continuing expense unless some cheaper method of control is discovered.