Exploring the Diversity of Eimeria Species and Prevalence of Clinical Coccidiosis in Suspected Broiler Chickens

Abstract Objective The objective of the present research paper is to report the prevalence of clinical coccidiosis and identify different Eimeria species in suspected broilers in District Abbottabad. Design: The research study included a total of three hundred broiler samples. Out of these three hundred samples, 85 guts were found to be infected with Eimeria oocysts. The overall prevalence of coccidiosis was determined to be 28.3%, with 84.70% of cases being clinical coccidiosis and 15.29% being subclinical coccidiosis in District Abbottabad. Subjects: The subjects of the study were broilers, and a total of three hundred broiler samples were collected and analyzed. Innervation/Exposure: Five different Eimeria species were identified in the study area. The most prevalent species was E. tenella, accounting for 35.29% of the cases, followed by E. brunetti (22.35%), E. maxima (17.64%), E. necatrix (12.94%), and E. acervuline (11.76%). Main outcomes: The prevalence of coccidiosis was found to be influenced by the age of the broilers. The disease was more prevalent in broilers aged 22–42 days old, with a prevalence rate of 78.81%, while broilers aged 1–21 days old had a lower prevalence rate of 17.63%. Additionally, the highest predominance of coccidiosis infection was observed in August (33.69%) and September (37.5%) of 2022. Mortality and morbidity rates were also recorded, with 43.13% mortality and 73.40% morbidity in chicks aged 22–28 days old. The disease caused significant economic losses and poses a continued threat to farmers unless appropriate measures are taken.