Vetech Laboratories Inc.
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 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.
For additional information about coccidiosis see 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.
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Coccidiosis 
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.