Coccidiosis can be extremely difficult to manage in poultry because the organism that causes it “has a tremendous capability to reproduce and it’s very resistant to any kind of attempt to destroy it,” says Mark LaVorgna, PhD, nutritionist and technical services director for Zoetis Inc.
He recommends developing a long-term coccidiosis-management plan that employs all available tools.
Coccidiosis in broiler houses remains a nagging challenge. While clinical manifestations are rare, it’s the subclinical condition that impacts the flock through poor feed efficiency and reduced growth rates.
By Philip A. Stayer, DVM, MS, ACPV, Corporate Veterinarian, Sanderson Farms, Inc.
The use of recombinant vaccines can prove a valuable strategy against coccidiosis in poultry, but better understanding of host-parasite interactions and gut microbiology is needed.
Despite industry advances, coccidiosis remains the leading intestinal health disease of broilers. Poultry Health Today asked experts to share latest insights and recommendations for managing this costly parasitic disease.
