Introduction

Why it matters in modern poultry production
– Rapid multiplication of Eimeria can produce substantial intestinal injury within a short period.
– Subclinical coccidiosis may reduce feed efficiency, growth and flock uniformity without dramatic clinical signs.
– High oocyst contamination of litter increases exposure and repeated infection pressure.
– Effective control requires attention to parasite biology, farm management and appropriate anticoccidial programmes.

Etiology
Seven major Eimeria species are recognized in chickens. E. acervulina and E. maxima are frequently encountered, while E. tenella is particularly pathogenic and associated with severe caecal disease and haemorrhage (Yaqub et al., 2023). Species differ in preferred intestinal sites, lesion patterns and pathogenicity.

Transmission
The principal route is faecal–oral transmission. Birds ingest sporulated oocysts from contaminated litter, feed, water, equipment or the environment. Moisture, oxygen and suitable temperature favour sporulation, allowing infective oocysts to accumulate and maintain the infection cycle (Pal et al., 2023).
Life Cycle of EIMERIA

Ingestion of sporulated oocysts → release of sporozoites → epithelial invasion → multiplication → gamete formation → oocyst formation → faecal shedding → environmental sporulation.

Clinical Signs
Severity depends on Eimeria species, infective dose, bird age, immunity and environmental management. Signs include reduced feed intake, depression, ruffled feathers, drooping wings, enteritis, diarrhoea or dysentery, poor growth and increased mortality in severe cases (Pal et al., 2023).
– Reduced body-weight gain and flock uniformity
– Poor feed conversion and production performance
– Diarrhoea or blood-stained droppings in severe infections
– Dehydration, weakness and depression
– Mortality when tissue damage and blood loss are extensive
Species-specific sites

Post-Mortem Lesions
Post-mortem examination helps identify likely Eimeria species and estimate the distribution and severity of intestinal damage. Lesion patterns should be interpreted with clinical findings, litter condition, performance data and, where appropriate, laboratory diagnosis (Pal et al., 2023; Yaqub et al., 2023).

Key lesion patterns

Prevention and Control
Effective control integrates anticoccidial programmes with litter management, hygiene, stocking-density control, ventilation and sound flock management. Continuous or inappropriate use of a single anticoccidial can contribute to reduced efficacy and resistance selection; rotation, shuttle programmes, combinations and vaccination are among approaches used for longer-term control (Usman et al., 2011; Chapman, 2017; Noack et al., 2019).

Anticoccidial programmes
– Rotation changes the active ingredient or mode of action between production cycles.
– Shuttle programmes use different anticoccidial strategies during different feed phases.
– Combination programmes can broaden anticoccidial activity and may help address reduced sensitivity when appropriately designed (Chapman & Rathinam, 2022).
– Vaccination can provide controlled exposure to selected Eimeria strains and support protective immunity.

Ionophore vs Chemical

Combination programmes
Combining compatible anticoccidial activities can broaden control and reduce dependence on a single mode of action. Programme selection should consider disease pressure, previous anticoccidial history, susceptibility patterns, compatibility and label requirements (Chapman & Rathinam, 2022).

STALLEN’S DUAL APPROACH TO COCCIDIOSIS CONTROL
Stallen South Asia offers a dual approach to coccidiosis management with Manacox Plus, bringing together ionophore and chemical anticoccidial activity in one formulation. This approach is designed to support practical, structured coccidiosis-control programmes while reducing dependence on a single mode of action.

MANACOX PLUS
Manacox Plus is a dual-active anticoccidial formulation combining an ionophore and a chemical anticoccidial. It contains Monensin Sodium 8% + Nicarbazin 8% for practical coccidiosis prevention programmes in broilers.
Key Product Points

WHY A DUAL APPROACH
Using monensin sodium together with nicarbazin brings ionophore and chemical anticoccidial activity into one formulation. This can fit structured prevention programmes where the objective is effective control without unnecessary reliance on a single mode of action. Use should follow the approved label and veterinary guidance.
Practical use
– Use within a planned farm coccidiosis-control programme.
– Maintain good litter quality, ventilation, stocking density and drinker management.
– Review anticoccidial history and flock response when planning future programmes.
– Follow approved dose, withdrawal period and compatibility instructions.

References are available on request.

Introduction

Gut: The First Line of Immune Defence
The intestinal defence system consists of several interconnected components, including the mucus layer, intestinal epithelial cells, tight junctions, antimicrobial substances, gut microbiota and gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT).

The epithelial cells form a physical barrier between the intestinal contents and the internal tissues. Tight-junction proteins such as occludin, claudins and ZO-1 regulate the movement of substances between epithelial cells. The mucus layer provides an additional protective environment, while immune cells located within and beneath the intestinal mucosa continuously monitor microbial and dietary antigens.
Thus, the intestine acts as both a selective absorption system and an immune surveillance system.

Gut Microbiota and Immune Development
The intestinal tract contains a complex microbial ecosystem. A balanced microbial population can contribute to pathogen exclusion, production of microbial metabolites, maintenance of intestinal integrity and modulation of host immune responses.
Beneficial microorganisms and their metabolites communicate with intestinal epithelial cells and immune cells. Among these metabolites, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as acetate, propionate and butyrate are particularly important because they can influence epithelial health, immune-cell activity and inflammatory responses. Therefore, gut microbiota and immunity have a bidirectional relationship. A healthy microbiota supports a healthy intestinal barrier and balanced immune signalling. At the same time, the immune system regulates microbial populations and helps maintain intestinal homeostasis.
What Happens When Gut Health Is Compromised?
Commercial poultry are exposed to several factors capable of disturbing gut integrity, including coccidiosis, bacterial pathogens, mycotoxins, heat stress, poor water quality, nutritional imbalance and dysbiosis.

A compromised gut can result in epithelial damage, disruption of tight junctions, increased intestinal permeability, inflammation and oxidative stress, altered immune response and reduced performance. This process is sometimes described as increased “intestinal permeability” or “leaky gut.”

When intestinal integrity is compromised, nutrients may not be utilized efficiently and microbial products can interact more extensively with host immune mechanisms. The bird may consequently spend additional nutrients and metabolic resources on inflammation and tissue repair rather than growth or egg production.

Coccidiosis, Mycotoxins and Heat Stress

Coccidiosis is a classic example of the gut–immune relationship. Eimeria infection damages intestinal epithelial cells, alters intestinal morphology and stimulates an inflammatory and immune response. Consequently, coccidiosis control is not only a parasite-management issue but also a gut health, nutrition and immune-management issue.

Similarly, mycotoxins can affect intestinal integrity, oxidative status, microbial balance and immune function. Their impact may therefore extend beyond the feed itself to the overall gut–immune axis.

Heat stress is particularly important in tropical poultry production. Heat stress can alter feed intake, intestinal physiology, microbial balance and barrier integrity, potentially increasing inflammatory and oxidative stress. Maintaining gut integrity during heat stress is therefore an important component of maintaining flock resilience.

Gut Health and Vaccine Response
An effective vaccination program depends on the bird’s ability to recognize antigens and develop appropriate humoral and cellular immune responses. This requires adequate availability of energy, amino acids, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Therefore, gut health indirectly supports the nutritional foundation required for immune responses. A healthy intestine facilitates nutrient digestion and absorption, while intestinal inflammation or damage can increase nutrient requirements for tissue repair and immune activity. It is important, however, to recognize that good gut health alone does not guarantee vaccine success. Vaccine quality, administration, maternal immunity, biosecurity, disease pressure, nutrition and environmental conditions also influence the final immune response.

Nutritional Support for the Gut–Immune Axis
Nutrition is one of the most important tools for supporting the gut–immune relationship. Zinc contributes to epithelial integrity, cellular proliferation, enzyme activity and immune-cell function. Selenium is an important component of antioxidant defence systems and supports cellular protection and immune function. Vitamins A and E also contribute to mucosal integrity, antioxidant protection and immune responses.
Nutritional interventions such as probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, organic acids, enzymes, yeast-derived products, MOS and β-glucans may be used as part of integrated gut-health programs. MOS can support gut health through microbial interactions and pathogen-exclusion mechanisms, while β-glucans can interact with innate immune pathways and influence immune-cell activity. However, responses depend on product source, structure, dose, bird age, diet and challenge conditions; therefore, these products should be evaluated based on scientific evidence and field performance rather than assuming that all products have identical effects.

Practical Approach for Commercial Poultry
A successful gut-health program should not depend on a single feed additive. It should combine:
– High-quality and properly stored feed
– Regular mycotoxin monitoring and management
– Good drinking-water quality and sanitation
– Effective coccidiosis control
– Appropriate vaccination and biosecurity
– Heat-stress management
– Balanced amino acid, vitamin and mineral nutrition
– Appropriate use of probiotics, prebiotics/postbiotics and other gut-health products
– Monitoring of litter quality, feed intake, FCR, mortality and flock uniformity

Conclusion
The gut and immune system should be viewed as two interconnected components of the same biological defence network. A healthy intestinal microbiota, intact epithelial barrier and properly functioning GALT provide the foundation for balanced immune development and response. For commercial poultry, the concept is simple: “Protect the gut to support immunity, and support immunity to maintain flock resilience.”
Gut health is therefore not only about digestion and FCR. It is closely connected with nutrient utilization, immune development, disease resistance, vaccine responsiveness and ultimately flock productivity.
The future of poultry nutrition will increasingly focus on managing the gut–microbiota–immune axis through integrated nutrition, health and farm-management strategies rather than addressing individual problems in isolation.

Biosecurity as an Investment: Why Disease Prevention delivers the Best Return on Investment (ROI) in Poultry Production

Prof. (Dr.) P.K. Shukla and Dr. Amitav Bhattacharyya
Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary Science and
Animal Husbandry, Mathura- 281001 (U.P.)

Introduction
Over the last five decades, the poultry industry has undergone a remarkable transformation. Scientific advances in genetics, nutrition, housing, disease control, and management have enabled producers to achieve unprecedented levels of productivity. Poultry meat and eggs have become among the most affordable and nutritious sources of animal protein, making the industry indispensable for global food and nutritional security. In India, poultry production has developed into an important agribusiness sector, generating employment for millions of people while supporting allied industries such as hatcheries, feed manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, processing, transportation, and retail.

Despite these achievements, infectious diseases remain one of the greatest constraints to sustainable poultry production. Diseases such as avian influenza, Newcastle disease, infectious bronchitis, infectious bursal disease, Marek’s disease, coccidiosis, salmonellosis, and mycoplasmosis continue to cause substantial economic losses. These diseases not only reduce flock productivity but also affect food safety, consumer confidence, international trade, and public health.

Under modern intensive production systems, disease outbreaks spread rapidly because of high stocking densities, frequent movement of birds and equipment, and increasing interactions among farms. Once pathogens establish themselves within a flock, economic losses accumulate through mortality, reduced growth, poor feed conversion, lower egg production, treatment expenses, and market disruptions. Consequently, preventing disease introduction is far more economical than managing disease after it has occurred.

Biosecurity has therefore become the foundation of modern poultry health management. It is no longer viewed merely as a collection of hygiene practices but as a comprehensive risk management strategy designed to prevent disease while maximizing productivity and profitability.

Economic Impact of Poultry Diseases
The financial consequences of poultry diseases extend far beyond mortality alone. Disease outbreaks affect every component of the production chain, from breeder farms and hatcheries to processing plants, retailers, and consumers.

Direct economic losses include increased mortality, poor weight gain, reduced egg production, inferior feed conversion efficiency, decreased hatchability, veterinary expenses, medication costs, diagnostic testing, and emergency vaccination programmes. Even mild infections that do not cause obvious mortality often reduce flock performance sufficiently to eliminate expected profit margins.

Indirect losses are frequently even greater. Disease outbreaks can result in movement restrictions, export bans, lower consumer demand, reduced processing efficiency, insurance costs, and disruption of supply chains. Highly pathogenic avian influenza has repeatedly demonstrated how a single outbreak can result in massive financial losses through depopulation, compensation payments, and trade restrictions.
Equally damaging are the hidden costs associated with subclinical infections. Chronic disease reduces flock uniformity, suppresses immune responses, increases susceptibility to secondary infections, and diminishes reproductive performance without producing dramatic clinical signs. Such losses often remain unnoticed but continuously erode farm profitability.
These economic realities highlight an important principle: disease prevention should not be regarded solely as a veterinary responsibility but as an essential business strategy that protects investments in chicks, feed, labour, housing, equipment, and marketing.

Prevention Versus Treatment: The Economics of Biosecurity
The principle that “prevention is better than cure” has special relevance in commercial poultry production. Intensive poultry systems house thousands of genetically similar birds in close proximity, allowing infectious agents to spread extremely rapidly once introduced.

By the time clinical signs become evident, pathogens have often multiplied extensively within the flock and contaminated the surrounding environment. Even if treatment successfully controls mortality, birds rarely regain their original production potential. Reduced feed efficiency, slower growth, delayed marketing age, poor egg production, and increased susceptibility to secondary infections frequently persist throughout the production cycle.
Treatment also involves considerable expenditure on antibiotics, supportive medications, laboratory investigations, veterinary consultation, and labour. These costs are incurred after production losses have already begun, thereby reducing overall profitability.
Biosecurity interrupts pathogen transmission before infection becomes established. Investments in perimeter fencing, controlled farm access, sanitation, water treatment, pest management, employee training, and visitor control substantially reduce the probability of disease introduction. Unlike treatment costs, preventive investments continue generating economic returns throughout successive production cycles by maintaining flock health and preserving production efficiency.
Numerous studies have shown that the cost of implementing effective biosecurity programmes is significantly lower than the cumulative losses associated with disease outbreaks. Consequently, biosecurity functions as a form of biological insurance that safeguards every other investment made in poultry production.

Principles of Poultry Biosecurity
Biosecurity is a science-based management system aimed at preventing the introduction, establishment, and spread of infectious agents. Effective biosecurity requires an integrated approach involving infrastructure, operational procedures, personnel behaviour, environmental sanitation, and continuous monitoring.
Three fundamental principles form the basis of poultry biosecurity:

Bio-exclusion focuses on preventing pathogens from entering the farm through controlled access, procurement of healthy chicks, vehicle disinfection, quarantine, and visitor management.

Bio-containment prevents infectious agents from spreading outside infected premises by implementing movement restrictions, proper disposal of carcasses and litter, and thorough cleaning and disinfection.

Bio-management minimizes disease pressure within the farm through vaccination, optimal nutrition, environmental management, pest control, water sanitation, litter management, and animal welfare practices.

Farm design also plays an important role in disease prevention. Poultry farms should be located away from other commercial farms, live bird markets, and migratory bird habitats. Clearly defined clean and dirty zones, all-in/all-out production systems, and adequate downtime between flocks reduce pathogen survival and transmission.
Personnel hygiene is equally critical. Farm workers should use dedicated clothing and footwear, maintain hand hygiene, comply with visitor restrictions, and receive regular biosecurity training. Similarly, feed and water must be protected from contamination through proper storage, water chlorination, and routine quality monitoring.
Rodent and insect control programmes, together with scientifically approved mortality disposal methods, further strengthen disease prevention by eliminating important sources of pathogen transmission.

Biosecurity as a Strategic Business Investment
Historically, many poultry producers regarded expenditures on sanitation, fencing, disinfection equipment, employee training, and surveillance as unavoidable operating costs. Modern poultry enterprises increasingly recognize that these expenditures are investments that protect all other farm assets.

Feed represents nearly two-thirds of total production costs. Healthy birds utilize feed more efficiently, grow faster, produce more eggs, and require fewer medications than diseased birds. Even modest improvements in feed conversion ratio can substantially increase profitability.
Strong biosecurity systems also improve market confidence. Consumers increasingly demand poultry products that are safe, traceable, and produced under high standards of animal health and welfare. Farms maintaining effective biosecurity programmes are better positioned to comply with certification schemes, quality assurance standards, and export requirements.
From a business perspective, biosecurity reduces biological risk while improving enterprise resilience. Disease outbreaks can rapidly destroy years of investment in genetics, housing, labour, and marketing. Preventive biosecurity therefore serves as a protective framework that preserves productivity, enhances competitiveness, and ensures long-term sustainability.
Modern poultry producers should therefore ask not whether they can afford to invest in biosecurity, but whether they can afford the consequences of inadequate disease prevention.

Practical Biosecurity Measures that Enhance Profitability
The success of any biosecurity programme depends on its consistent implementation at the farm level. While sophisticated infrastructure and advanced technologies can strengthen disease prevention, many highly effective biosecurity interventions are simple, practical, and relatively inexpensive. Their value lies not in high capital investment but in disciplined and continuous application.

The first line of defence is strict farm access control. Entry to poultry houses should be restricted to essential personnel, and all visitors should comply with hygiene protocols including hand sanitization, use of dedicated clothing and boots, and passage through properly maintained footbaths. Maintaining visitor records and enforcing a minimum downtime for personnel who have recently visited other poultry farms significantly reduce the likelihood of introducing infectious pathogens.
Cleaning and disinfection remain the cornerstone of disease prevention. Poultry houses, equipment, feeders, drinkers, egg trays, transport crates, and vehicles should be thoroughly cleaned to remove organic matter before applying appropriate disinfectants. Adequate downtime between production cycles allows environmental pathogen loads to decline naturally and improves the effectiveness of sanitation programmes.
Feed and water hygiene are equally important because they represent continuous sources of pathogen exposure. Feed should be procured from reliable manufacturers and stored under dry, rodent-proof conditions to prevent fungal contamination and mycotoxin development.
Drinking water should be regularly tested for microbial quality, chlorinated when necessary, and supplied through cleaned pipelines to minimize biofilm formation.
Integrated pest management also plays a critical role. Rodents, flies, beetles, mosquitoes, and wild birds serve as mechanical carriers of numerous bacterial and viral pathogens. Effective pest control, combined with scientific carcass disposal methods such as composting, rendering, or incineration, minimizes environmental contamination and pathogen persistence.
Finally, employee education is perhaps the most cost-effective biosecurity investment. Every worker should understand disease transmission pathways, recognize early clinical signs, and consistently follow standard operating procedures (SOPs). A well-trained workforce transforms biosecurity from a written protocol into a daily management culture that protects flock health and farm profitability.

Digital Transformation of Poultry Biosecurity
Rapid advances in digital technologies are revolutionizing poultry health management by shifting disease control from a reactive to a predictive approach. Precision livestock farming integrates artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, sensor technologies, automation, and molecular diagnostics to improve disease surveillance and decision-making.

Artificial intelligence can analyse production data such as feed intake, water consumption, mortality, growth rate, and behavioural changes to detect early indicators of disease before clinical signs become apparent. Such predictive systems enable farmers to intervene promptly, thereby reducing mortality and economic losses.
The Internet of Things (IoT) has further strengthened biosecurity by enabling continuous monitoring of environmental variables including temperature, humidity, ammonia concentration, carbon dioxide, ventilation efficiency, and water quality. Automated alerts help managers respond immediately to deviations that may compromise bird health.
Computer vision systems are increasingly being used to monitor flock behaviour, feeding activity, movement patterns, and gait abnormalities. These technologies allow rapid identification of subtle behavioural changes associated with disease onset.
Molecular diagnostic tools such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), real-time PCR, and genomic sequencing permit rapid detection of viral, bacterial, and parasitic pathogens, facilitating timely intervention. Blockchain-based traceability systems and cloud-based farm management platforms further enhance transparency, certification, and supply chain confidence.
Although digital biosecurity requires initial investment, its long-term benefits include reduced disease incidence, improved productivity, lower veterinary costs, enhanced decision-making, and increased resilience against emerging diseases.

Biosecurity Challenges and Opportunities in India
India has become one of the world’s leading producers of poultry meat and eggs, yet the country’s diverse production systems create unique biosecurity challenges. Large integrated commercial operations coexist with smallholder and backyard poultry farms, creating epidemiological interfaces that facilitate pathogen transmission.

One of the major constraints is uneven awareness regarding the economic importance of biosecurity. Large poultry companies generally maintain comprehensive disease prevention programmes, whereas many small and medium-scale producers continue to regard biosecurity as an additional expense rather than a productive investment. Financial limitations often prevent investment in essential infrastructure such as perimeter fencing, vehicle disinfection facilities, controlled farm entry, and scientific carcass disposal systems.
High poultry density in several production clusters further increases disease risk. Frequent movement of day-old chicks, feed, eggs, live birds, and farm personnel across states facilitates pathogen dissemination. Backyard poultry, live bird markets, and mixed farming systems involving ducks and other livestock also increase the risk of zoonotic disease transmission.
Despite these challenges, India possesses significant opportunities to strengthen poultry biosecurity. The country has a strong network of veterinary universities, diagnostic laboratories, research institutes, extension agencies, and progressive poultry companies capable of promoting scientific disease prevention. Government initiatives supporting livestock health, antimicrobial stewardship, digital agriculture, and the One Health approach can further accelerate adoption of comprehensive biosecurity practices.
Public-private partnerships involving industry associations, academic institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and producer organizations will be instrumental in developing practical, affordable, and scalable biosecurity solutions for Indian poultry farmers.

Biosecurity within the One Health Framework
Modern biosecurity extends beyond farm profitability to encompass animal health, public health, and environmental sustainability. The One Health concept recognizes the close interdependence of humans, animals, and ecosystems.

Effective poultry biosecurity reduces the circulation of zoonotic pathogens such as avian influenza and Salmonella, thereby protecting consumers, farm workers, and surrounding communities. Healthy flocks also require fewer therapeutic antibiotics, contributing to global efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Good biosecurity practices improve waste management, reduce contamination of soil and water resources, and minimize environmental dissemination of infectious agents. Consequently, investments in poultry biosecurity generate societal benefits that extend far beyond individual farms by supporting food safety, environmental protection, and national food security.

Capacity Building and Policy Support
Infrastructure alone cannot guarantee successful biosecurity. Human behaviour remains one of the most critical determinants of disease prevention. Continuous training programmes should therefore be provided for farm owners, managers, veterinarians, technicians, and workers on disease recognition, personal hygiene, vaccination, cleaning and disinfection, pest control, mortality management, and emergency response.
Routine biosecurity audits, risk assessments, and comprehensive record-keeping systems enable producers to monitor flock performance and identify weaknesses requiring corrective action. Standard operating procedures should be regularly reviewed and updated in response to emerging disease threats and technological developments.
Government agencies also have an essential role in strengthening national biosecurity through veterinary services, laboratory networks, surveillance systems, science-based regulations, and financial incentives that encourage producers to invest in preventive infrastructure. Harmonization of national standards with international guidelines will further improve India’s competitiveness in global poultry trade.

Way Forward
Biosecurity has evolved from a routine veterinary recommendation into one of the most valuable strategic investments in modern poultry production. Scientific evidence consistently demonstrates that prevention delivers substantially greater economic returns than treatment. Every investment made in disease prevention safeguards valuable biological assets, preserves productivity, reduces veterinary expenditure, minimizes antimicrobial use, and enhances market confidence.
For India, where poultry production continues to expand rapidly, widespread adoption of comprehensive biosecurity systems will be fundamental to sustainable growth. Success will require coordinated efforts involving producers, veterinarians, researchers, policymakers, industry organizations, and technology providers working within a One Health framework.
The future of poultry farming will increasingly depend on predictive health management supported by digital technologies, precision farming, artificial intelligence, and robust surveillance systems. Producers who integrate biosecurity into their core business strategy will be better equipped to withstand emerging disease threats, satisfy evolving consumer expectations, and compete successfully in international markets.
Ultimately, the most profitable poultry enterprise is not the one that spends the least on disease prevention, but the one that invests wisely to ensure disease never compromises productivity. Biosecurity should therefore be regarded not as an operational expense but as a high-return investment that protects animal health, public health, environmental sustainability, and the long-term resilience of the poultry industry.

Selected References
1. Alexander, D. J. (2007). An overview of the epidemiology of avian influenza. Vaccine, 25, 5637–5644.
2. FAO. (2023). Good Practices for Biosecurity in the Poultry Sector. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
3. Gelaude, P., Schlepers, M., Verlinden, M., et al. (2014). Measuring on-farm poultry biosecurity using Biocheck.UGent. Poultry Science, 93, 2740–2750.
4. Glisson, J. R., Hofacre, C. L., & Christensen, J. P. (2019). Poultry Diseases. Elsevier.
5. WOAH. (2023). Terrestrial Animal Health Code.
6. Swayne, D. E. (Ed.). (2020). Diseases of Poultry (14th ed.). Wiley-Blackwell.
7. World Health Organization. (2022). One Health Joint Plan of Action (2022–2026).
8. World Bank. (2022). One Health Operational Framework for Strengthening Animal Health Systems.
9. FAO. (2022). Biosecurity Guide for Poultry Production and Value Chains.
10. USDA APHIS. (2023). Defend the Flock: Biosecurity for Poultry Owners.

By Dr Sajid Hussain M.V.Sc, M.B.A
Techno-Commercial Manager (North & East India)
Zamira Australia

Coccidiosis in poultry, a prevalent and economically impactful parasitic disease, primarily targets the intestinal tract. Its repercussions include substantial economic losses within the poultry industry, stemming from reduced productivity and heightened mortality rates.

During the summer period, managing coccidiosis in poultry presents unique challenges due to environmental factors that exacerbate the risk of infection and impact bird health.

A comprehensive approach is required to address the complexity of coccidiosis that considers the multifactorial nature of the disease. Management should incorporate prevention strategies, biosecurity measures, nutritional management, vaccination programs, and proper flock health monitoring.

The complexity of coccidiosis management hinges on several points:

• Multiple Eimeria species: The disease is caused by multiple Eimeria species, each with unique pathogenicity and preferred sites of infection, complicating diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies.
• Lifecycle variability: The complex lifecycle of the Eimeria parasite, involving multiple stages and transmission routes, makes breaking the cycle of infection within a flock challenging.
• Diverse clinical presentations: Different Eimeria species cause varying clinical signs, ranging from mild intestinal damage to severe haemorrhagic coccidiosis, complicating diagnosis, and treatment.

Antimicrobial resistance: The prolonged and indiscriminate use of anticoccidial medications can lead to drug resistant Eimeria strains.

• Environmental persistence: Oocysts shed by infected birds can survive in the environment for extended periods, contributing to re-infection within a poultry facility.
• Interactions with other diseases: Coccidiosis can predispose poultry to secondary infections, complicating disease management and underscoring the need for a holistic approach to overall flock health.

Summer-specific challenges in coccidiosis management:

• Increased heat stress: Summer temperatures can weaken poultry’s immune systems, making them more susceptible to coccidiosis.
• High humidity: Elevated humidity levels create favourable conditions for the survival and transmission of coccidia oocysts, increasing the risk of infection within the flock.

Leveraging Anticoccidial Medications for Summer Poultry Health
Managing heat stress with adequate ventilation, hydration, and shade is crucial for maintaining poultry health and minimising the impact of coccidiosis during the summer.

Controlling coccidiosis through the use of anticoccidial medications is another critical aspect of poultry management in the warmer months. These medications are pivotal in reducing the effects of coccidiosis, helping minimise its impact on poultry health and productivity.

Choosing the right anticoccidial medication:
Selecting the appropriate anticoccidial medication should consider the specific Eimeria species present, the severity of outbreaks, the history of use on the farm, and climatic conditions.

Dosage and administration:
Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and seek veterinary guidance to ensure the correct dosage, method of administration, and treatment duration for the selected anticoccidial medication.

Rotating or alternating anticoccidial medications:
Implement a rotation or alternation schedule for different classes of medications to reduce resistance development.

Elevate your feed with ZAMIDAN 10: Zamira Australia’s high-quality Maduramicin supplement for optimal poultry health

Mechanism of action: Maduramicin ammonium, a monovalent ionophore anticoccidial, targets multiple early stages of the Eimeria lifecycle within the first 48 hours. It controls coccidia by disrupting the transport of sodium and potassium ions across their cell membranes.

Clinical application: Maduramicin is predominantly utilised prophylactically, serving as a preventive measure rather than a therapeutic intervention. ZAMIDAN 10 has demonstrated efficacy in reducing heat stress compared to other anticoccidials, making it particularly suitable for summer usage.

Protecting poultry health: By incorporating ZAMIDAN 10 into your anticoccidial programs, you improve the defence mechanisms of poultry against the debilitating effects of coccidiosis. This proactive strategy enhances gut health, promotes optimal nutrient absorption, and sustains the overall wellbeing of your flock, particularly during the demanding summer months. Harness the power of Zamira Australia’s ZAMIDAN 10 in your anticoccidial programs this summer!