Prevalence of poultry coccidiosis in and around Yabello, southern Ethiopia
This study was conducted in and around Yabello, Southern Ethiopia, with the objective of determining the prevalence of poultry coccidiosis and its associated risk factors. Faecal samples were collected from total of 384 chickens. Floatation technique was used to detect coccidian oocyst. The result revealed that out of 384 chickens, 74 were positive to coccidiosis and overall prevalence was 19.3% The frequency of detection of oocyst in the faecal samples from exotic and local breed chicken were 18 and 20.4% respectively. The result of the current study disclosed that the prevalence of coccidiosis was almost similar in female (19.6% and male (18.2 chickens. The prevalence rates of 18.4 and 21.9% were recorded in chicken grouped under the age category of 2 8 weeks (young) and greater than 8 weeks (adult) respectively. The prevalence rates of 21.6 and 18% were also recorded in good and poor body condition, respectively. Furthermore, coccidiosis occurrence in intensive and extensive management system were 22.1 and 16.7% respectively. In conclusion, even though the difference for all risk factors was statistically insignificant (p>0.05) the study showed that coccidiosis is important disease of poultry in Yabello district, Southern Ethiopia and this is an indication for intervention to tackle the disease without any priority within the risk factors. Key words: Coccidiosis, poultry, prevalence, Yabello district.