COCCIDIOSIS

1. What are coccidia and where are they found?

Coccidia are microscopic motile parasites. They are found in the small intestine of birds. Their eggs, called oocysts, are passed in the droppings. The two main species are Isospora and Eimeria.

2. What is the route of transmission?

Coccidia are often ingested through food or soil contaminated with infected droppings. The oocyst (egg) has a hard shell and can survive on the ground for a long period of time.

3. What are the clinical signs of Coccidiosis?

• Diarrhoea with or without blood

• Weight loss and depression

• The bird may stop eating

• Poor growth and/or death in young or unwell birds

• Some birds can carry these organisms and may not show signs of illness

4. In which bird species are coccidia seen?

Coccidia are commonly seen in budgerigars, pigeons, doves, chickens, turkeys and geese. They are less frequently seen in canaries, finches and lories. Coccidia can be seen in any species of bird.

5. How are coccidia identified in the live bird?

Fresh warm faecal smears of the droppings will display the eggs (oocysts). Eggs do not show up in every faecal smear. Flotation of a dropping sample may be necessary to find the coccidia if they do not show up in a faecal smear.

6. What is the treatment for Coccidiosis?

Birds can be treated with Baycox (Toltrazuril) in water for 2 days. A repeat treatment may be necessary. The cage should be cleaned thoroughly daily and then disinfected.

Treatment of secondary infections caused by bacteria may also be necessary.

7. How is Coccidiosis prevented?

Frequent cleaning of the aviary or cage

Quarantine all new birds until they are examined for coccidia

Regular droppings checks for coccidia. This maybe performed at the annual health check or, in some cases, every 3 months.