Field report on coccidiosis in Aseel Desi chickens of Pudukkottai district: Challenges and control strategies

Abstract

Coccidiosis is a significant protozoan disease affecting poultry, leading to severe economic losses in commercial and backyard farming. This field report documents an outbreak of coccidiosis in Aseel Desi chickens from a poultry farm in Pudukkottai district, Tamil Nadu. Affected birds exhibited clinical signs of weakness, anemia, and diarrhea, with postmortem examinations revealing characteristic intestinal lesions, including hemorrhagic enteritis and the presence of Eimeria necatrix oocysts. The initial treatment with Amprolium hydrochloride (20%) effectively reduced mortality, but recurrence occurred due to poor litter management. A comprehensive control strategy combining strict biosecurity, proper litter disposal, and supportive herbal therapy—including Aloe vera, turmeric, garlic, and cumin led to complete flock recovery. The study highlights the importance of integrated disease management approaches, incorporating pharmacological and natural remedies, to prevent and control coccidiosis outbreaks in Desi poultry farming.