COCCIDIOSIS IN TWO 6-MONTH-OLD BUNAJI BULL-CALVES IN MAJERU VILLAGE, ZARIA L.G.A. OF KADUNA STATE

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Coccidiosis has been considered the third most important parasitic disease in cattle, although some investigators have overlooked it as one of the causes of scours in calves. Coccidiosis causes significant economic losses due to reduced performance, death from direct infections, and by predisposing cattle to secondary bacterial and viral infections. Tetracycline, a broad-spectrum antibiotic active against bacteria, its use in the treatment of protozoan diseases, especially coccidiosis in cattle has not been readily exploited. Two Bunaji bull calves with complaints of stringy and bloody diarrhoea were presented to the Resident Doctors in Large Animal section of the Medicine Specialty of the College of Veterinary Surgeons of Nigeria, who were on an ambulatory visit to a sedentary Fulani herd in Majeru village in Zaria Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Physical examination was carried out. Confirmatory diagnosis by laboratory evaluation of their faecal samples revealed Coccidia oocyst and strongyle egg. Successful treatment was achieved using preparations of oxytetracycline and albendazole. It was concluded that oxytetracycline is effective in the treatment of coccidiosis in calves.