Poultry producers are losing ground to coccidiosis because they’re not implementing effective rotation programs that employ different types and classes of anticoccidials, says Don Waldrip, DVM, a senior technical services veterinarian at Zoetis Inc.
He encourages producers to let coccidiosis organisms “see something different” with each rotation so they don’t build resistance to commonly used in-feed medications.
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.
