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.
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.
What bacteria causes coccidiosis?
Coccidiosis is a self-limiting protozoal disease mainly caused by coccidia of the genus Eimeria (Kemp et al., 2013). Eimeria species are generally gastrointestinal parasites that cause different degrees of enteritis, such as diarrhea, dehydration, and weight loss.
What is the most common symptom of coccidiosis?
Diarrhea, which may become bloody in severe cases, is the primary symptom. Most animals infected with coccidia are asymptomatic, but young or immunocompromised animals may suffer severe symptoms and death.
Where are coccidiosis found?
Coccidia are tiny single-celled parasites that live in the wall of your dog's intestine. They are found more often in puppies, but they can also infect older dogs and cats. Dogs become infected by swallowing soil that contains coccidia or other substances in the environment that may contain dog feces.
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