Preventing Coccidiosis

Preventing Coccidiosis by Karla Blackstock

Coccidiosis is a parasite infection caused by the single-cell protozoan organism coccidia. Coccidia, when present in goats is not transferable to cattle or other species. The strains are species-specific.

Young animals are more susceptible to infection and disease. It is normal for adults to harbor small numbers of coccidia without any signs of disease, and they are likely a source of infection for their off spring.

Coccidia have a very complex life cycle, with many steps and various stages at which intestinal cells are damaged. The cycle begins when the parasite is contracted by ingesting contaminated feces.

Once inside, the parasite invades cells and then reproduces and invades more cells. The parasite will multiply quickly and can cause a great deal of damage to intestinal cells before the coccidia can be detected in the animals’ feces.

Animals may die before showing any signs of coccidiosis if exposure is sudden and high and if the animals are stressed With more gradual exposure, an animal’s immune system can develop resistance that slows the multiplication rate.

Developing this resistance takes time (five to six months). Afterward, the animal will still pick up infections and shed coccidia in its feces, thus contaminating the environment, but it generally will not show signs of illness

Conditions that may lead to coccidiosis include the following: • Young stock (three weeks to five months old) • Crowded • Wet • Unsanitary • Stressful (including bad weather, poor handling practices, weaning, illness, poor nutrition)

Prevention

The best prevention for coccidiosis is to make every effort to reduce stress on animals at young ages. By reducing stress and sanitizing living conditions, your herd has a head-start in preventing coccidiosis.

Dry betting is crucial to sanitary living conditions. The bedding allows goats to lie down in clean places, thus keeping their udders and teats clean. This reduces mastitus and lowers the risk of spreading coccidia to their offspring.

Producers can also provide shelter if the weather is rainy. As the rainy season progresses, the numbers of coccidia could be building. By cleaning out water and feed troughs daily, producers can further reduce the risk of contamination.

Many pelletized feeds that are designed for goats offer a medicated ration using decoquinate or monensin sodium. Exposure to small numbers of cocci is actually beneficial, as it encourages the building of immunity. On the other hand, exposure to large numbers increases risk of infection.

Symptoms and Effects

One of the first signs of a coccidia problem is diarrhea and a decrease in apetite, listlessness, weakness and abdominal pain (which can be shown by repeated standing/lying or by crying out).

During a light load of parasites, the animals may be sick for a few weeks and then recover on its own. However, if animals are exposed to a large load of coccidia and have no immunity built up, they may quickly dehydrate and die.

Effects include poor growth rate in kids, poor milk production in does and susceptibility to health problems due to damaged intestines.

Treatment Options

Consulting with your veterinarian is necessary to devise a coccidiosis treatment program. Because most medications are not labeled for sheep or goats and, consulting your veterinarian is essential.

Conclusion

Prevention is always the best way to deal with coccidiosis.

If supplementing in the winter with additional forages, be sure to move the supplements to different locations to keep an area clean. Be sure to clean water and feeding troughs. Utilize rotational grazing if space is available. This keeps the grounds free of contamination as much as possible.

However, it is also important to understand the chemical and alternative control measures. Feed medicated feed when appropriate and manage herds with a little stress to the animals as possible.

Lastly, be sure to have a good relationship with your herd veterinarian should you need quick treatment options.