Isolation, identification, and clinical impact of coccidiosis in Japanese quail farms in and around Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India

Abstract

This study was carried out to isolate and identify different Eimeria species of Japanese quail, and to study the clinical effect of coccidiosis on these birds. 50 dropping samples were collected from 10 Japanese quail farms in and around Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India, including the central poultry development organization. Dead birds were collected for post mortem and histopathological examinations. Some farms appeared normal, but others showed the clinical signs of coccidiosis. Dead birds in post mortem examination showed enteritis with watery mucoid contents and ballooning in the small intestine and ceca. All collected samples were Eimeria positive. Three Eimeria species were isolated; E. bateri (58%), E. uzura (86%), and E. tsunodai (42%). Three patterns of infection were observed; single infection with E. uzura (42%), single infection with E. bateri (16%), and mixed infection by the three species (42%). Results indicated that coccidiosis is one of the most predominant diseases affecting Japanese quail farms, and that effective control and management practices are required to overcome this problem.