Control of coccidiosis in sheep & goat
Dear All
Coccidiosis is a parasitic disease of sheep & goats .This disease is caused by single cell protozoa Emeria sp .The parasite remains in small intestine & damage lining of small intestine. This parasite affects lambs & kids from 2-6 months of age. Affected lambs and kids suffer from diarrhea stained with blood & mucus. Death occurs in kids & lambs due to dehydration. Some animals do not show any symptoms externally but there is stunted growth. Outbreaks of coccidiosis occurs due to over crowding & poor sanitation. You can follow to following steps to prevent coccidiosis in your farm
1- Provide adequate floor space to sheep & goats as over crowding is a major cause of the disease
2- Prevent contamination of feed & water as adult sheep & goats are carriers of the parasite. They shed oocyst in their feces which is the major source of infection for kids and lambs.
3- Preventive dose of coccidiostat can be given to given to kids and lambs in consultation with a veterinarian. Coccidiostart can be mixed with feed as a preventive metod.
4- Treat the infected animals with anti coccidial drugs as per prescription of the veterinarian
5- In case of outbreak clean & disinfect pen daily this will reduce source of infection
Dr.A.K.Kar