PREVALENCE OF AVIAN COCCIDIOSIS WITHIN SPECIES, BREEDS, AND AGE DIAGNOSED AT THE AVIAN CLINICS OF AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA, NIGERIA

Abstract

Coccidiosis is a major parasitic disease with a substantial economic impact to poultry industry in Nigeria. The study was conducted at Ahmadu Bello University, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, (ABUVTH) Zaria. The aim was to determine the prevalence of avian coccidiosis diagnosed in avian clinic of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, within species, breeds and age. Case record files were collected, studied, and clinically diagnosed cases of coccidiosis were extracted. Result showed that out of the 1,768 poultry cases presented, 570 (32.23%) were confirmed as coccidiosis. Most cases were recorded in chickens 28.56% (505). The prevalence was highest in the improved breed 27.71% (490/1768) while the local and unknown breeds had prevalence of 0.45% (8/1768) and 4.07% (72/1768) respectively. Birds within 3-7 weeks of age had the highest prevalence of 18.72% (331/1768) while the lowest prevalence of 1.07% (19/1768) was recorded in birds of unknown ages. Coccidiosis is endemic in Zaria with higher prevalence in chicken, improved breeds and birds within the age of 3-7 weeks. Adequate bio-security measures and decrease population density of birds kept on a given unit area by farmers are encouraged.