Coccidiosis is caused by protozoa of the phylum Apicomplexa, family Eimeriidae. In poultry, most species belong to the genus Eimeria and infect various sites in the intestine.
What is the cause of coccidiosis?
Coccidiosis is caused by a microscopic parasite called coccidia that is transmitted via the droppings from infected birds. In other words, anywhere there's a microscopic trace of bird poop—in a waterer, a feeder, or in bedding—there's almost certainly coccidia present.
Is coccidiosis caused by a parasite?
Coccidiosis is caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Eimeria, which are a group of monoxenous obligate intracellular parasites. Seven species of this genus can affect chickens (Gallus gallus), each with different pathogenic characteristics and targeting a specific intestinal location.
Is coccidiosis caused by protozoa?
Coccidiosis is an intestinal tract infection caused by a single-celled organism (a protozoa) called coccidia. Coccidia are sub-classified into a number of genera (groups), and each genus (group) has a number of species.
What causes coccidiosis in animals?
Coccidia oocysts are ingested by animals when they consume contaminated feed, water, pastures or lick a dirty hair coat. If ingested, the parasite can develop inside the host animal, causing damage to intestinal cells and potentially resulting in the host animal having diarrhea and blood in the feces.
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