Livestock farmers are warned to be on their guard against coccidiosis this spring.
Coccidiosis is costly disease that can have a serious economic impact on lamb and calf performance. Minimising health challenges during the rearing phase is critical to avoid losses and maximise long-term productivity.
Coccidiosis is caused by tiny, single celled protozoan parasite called Eimeria1.
Animals consume coccidia eggs when grazing or simply exploring their surroundings.
Ingested coccidia eggs (oocysts) pass through the digestive system, multiply and penetrate cells in the gut lining. Within these cells the organisms develop further and multiply. Eventually, the cells burst, releasing thousands more infective coccidial merozoitese. The ‘bursting’ of these cells leads to the breakdown of the delicate gut lining. As the gut lining is responsible for nutrient absorption in our animal, a compromised gut can lead to significant production losses. The damage done to the gut can linger for months or even for the lifetime of the animal. Death can even occur in severe cases. After a sexual reproductive stage, new occysts pass out in the animal’s dung and the cycle begins again.
Coccidiosis in Lambs
Coccidiosis is most often seen in lambs aged 4 to 8 weeks old2.
Signs of Clinical Disease
- Straining.
- Weakness.
- Anaemia.
- Dehydration.
Signs of subclinical disease:
- Reduced weight
- Poor appetite
Coccidiosis in calves
Coccidiosis is seen in animals up to 2 years old and is particularly common in calves between 3 weeks and 6 months of age1.
Signs of clinical disease:
- Straining.
- Weakness.
- Weight loss.
- Fever.
Signs of subclinical disease:
- Reduced appetite.
- Poor growth.
Prevention and Control
Failure to control the disease can influence future productivity levels, including growth rates.
There are two aspects to preventing clinical coccidiosis. The first is eliminating or lowering the numbers of pathogenic oocysts ingested through good biosecurity, hygiene and management. The second is timed and targeted preventative treatment. Diclazuril and toltrazuril are oral drenches which can be used for treatment in the face of an outbreak.
Anti-coccidials (e.g. diclazuril, the active in Coxicert) are ingredients that disrupt the coccidia life-cycle by inhibiting development and multiplication. Administered at the correct time, they reduce both potential damage to the animal’s gut and contamination of the animal’s environment.
Prevention of coccidiosis includes reducing the stocking density and bedding up well to prevent infection. Feed and water troughs should be off the ground and buildings should be cleaned & disinfected between groups. Also, you should avoid mixing different ages of calves.
The greatest feed efficiency in cattle and sheep is achieved in early life. Hence, this is the period in the production system during which maximum return on feed investment will be gained. In dairy heifers, growth in the first six months of life has a significant effect on the ability to hit subsequent breeding and fertility targets. These are crucial for maximising lifetime profitability.
Hygiene is key to controlling coccidiosis. Limiting the build-up of oocysts in the environment will help reduce infection pressure and the chances of disease.
Suggested measures:
- Keep feed and water troughs clear of faecal contamination.
- Ensure dry, clean bedding.
- Avoid overstocking and stress.
- Turn young animals out onto fresh pasture.
For further information and advice on coccidiosis and the appropriate treatment, please speak to your local territory manager.
1 NADIS – National Animal Disease Information Service nadis.org.uk/disease-a-z/cattle/coccidiosis-in-cattle/
2 NADIS – National Animal Disease Information Service nadis.org.uk/disease-a-z/sheep/coccidiosis-in-lambs/