E. maxima Oocyst
E. acervulina Oocysts
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Coccidiosis
Coccidiosis
Coccidiosis is a disease caused by coccidia, parasitic protozoas,
commonly observed in the digestive tract of chickens and turkeys. It is
a major disease of the poultry industry. Coccidial
infections cause
mortality, reduced growth and reduced feed efficiency in chickens and
turkeys.
Coccidia
Coccidia of the genus Eimeria causes coccidiosis in
chickens and turkeys. These Eimeria parasites are
host-specific: those affecting chickens do not affect turkeys, other
birds, animals or man. Of the 7 species identified in chickens, 5 are
economically important. In turkeys, of 7 coccidial species identified,
2 to 3 are economically important to turkey production. The life cycle
of coccidia is 4 to 7 days depending on the species. Immunity is
species specific and therefore, exposure to one species does not
protect against other species.
Clinical coccidiosis can occur when birds are infected with a
sufficient number of oocysts prior to the development of protective
immunity. Recent advances in immunology of parasites suggest that
exposure to low levels of parasites is the most effective way of
inducing protective immunity. IMMUCOX®,
as well as other live coccidiosis vaccines, are designed on this same
principle.
For additional information about coccidiosis see
http://www.msstate.edu/dept/poultry/disproto.htm
Coccidiosis
Control With Vaccination
There is an increased acceptance by the poultry industry worldwide of
live vaccines to control coccidiosis.
This increase is measurable by
sales and by market penetration.
IMMUCOX®
was first marketed in Canada in 1985, Mexico and Argentina in 1989, and
now in over 40 countries including the U.S.A.
Schematic
of Events After Administration of IMMUCOX®
Recycling in Chickens
Recycling in Turkeys
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