Study on the Prevalence and Risk Factors of Poultry Coccidiosis in Mekelle Town North Ethiopia
A cross sectional study was conducted from November 2015 to April 2016 in poultry farms in Mekelle town, to estimate the prevalence of poultry coccidiosis and associated risk factors in the study area on Bovans brown and Sasso T44 chicken breeds. Fecal samples were taken from selected farms a total of 384 chickens and examined in Mekelle University College of veterinary medicine parasitological diagnostic laboratory. Floatation and McMaster Oocysts counting techniques were performed for qualitative and quantitative examination of coccidian Oocysts, respectively. The statically data analysis revealed that out of the 384 chickens examined, 78 (20.3% chickens were found positive for coccidian Oocyst. The prevalence of coccidiosis was relatively higher in young (26.1% than adult (17.2% age groups. Statistically significant difference (P <0.05) was noted between young and adult age groups. However, there were no significant differences between sex and breed groups of chickens (P>0.05) In conclusion, the present study showed that coccidiosis is an important disease of poultry in the study area and further strategy needs for intervention through awareness creation among poultry farms, veterinarians and local society to control and prevent the disease and reduce the economic loss due to coccidiosis.