One of the major diseases in poultry is Coccidiosis. Poultry farmers are often unaware of the outbreak of this disease until it causes a major loss or breakdown in the farm. Managing chickens could be very challenging; they are highly susceptible to deleterious diseases that can affect their productivity.
Coccidiosis is a protozoan disease caused by Eimeria spp. There are about 7 species but only 5 are common. Of these 5, Eimeria tenella is more fervent and common in poultry. Others are E. necatrix, E. mitis, E. brumet and E. acervulina. Coccidium (plural: Coccidia) is the pathogen that causes coccidiosis in poultry; it is hardy in nature and can stay in the soil for a very long period provided the environmental conditions are favorable for its survival.