1)Normally, most birds pass small numbers of oocysts in their droppings without apparent ill effects. Coccidiosis becomes important as a disease when animals live, or are reared, under conditions that permit the build-up of infective oocysts in the environment. The intensive rearing of domestic chickens may provide these conditions. Young chickens pick up the infection from contaminated premises (soil, houses, utensils, etc.). These premises may have been contaminated previously by other young infected birds or by adult birds that have recovered from the condition. Wet areas around water fountains are a source of infection.
a) Feed stores that sell chickens in this type of environment is where a few of us KNOW we got these chickens from OR we wore the same boots in this store and then in our own coops or runs.
(if anyone wants the specific feed store please PM me)
2)Oocysts remain viable in litter for many months. In this way, they can contaminate a farm from year to year. Oocysts are killed by freezing, extreme dryness and high temperatures.
a) DL method helps keep it around for years..... BUT DL method is also a safe way of keeping your coop warm and if hens are vaccinated you have less of a worry.
3)A few good management practices will help control coccidiosis. Contact your veterinarian for full details.
a)Anticoccidial drugs mixed in the feed are used to limit high levels of infection.
b)Keep chicks, feed and water away from droppings.
c)Roost birds over wire netting if brooding arrangements make this possible.
d)Place water vessels on wire frames to eliminate a concentration of wet droppings, in which the chicks can walk to pick up or spread the disease.
e)Keep litter dry and stirred frequently. Remove wet spots and replace with dry litter.
f)Avoid overcrowding.
g)If coccidiosis does break out, start treatment immediately.
Helpful medications:
1) Coxoid
2) Sulmet in conjunction with tetracycline hydrochloride or used by itself
3) Ionophores
4) Quinolones
I have been speaking to local vets and researching this online since my outbreak. A worker at a farm and feed today mentioned using the Sulmet WITH the Tetracycline Hydrochloride and most vets agreed this is the BEST method of clearing up the coccidiosis.
I hope my research can help others out there with the same issues!
a) Feed stores that sell chickens in this type of environment is where a few of us KNOW we got these chickens from OR we wore the same boots in this store and then in our own coops or runs.
(if anyone wants the specific feed store please PM me)
2)Oocysts remain viable in litter for many months. In this way, they can contaminate a farm from year to year. Oocysts are killed by freezing, extreme dryness and high temperatures.
a) DL method helps keep it around for years..... BUT DL method is also a safe way of keeping your coop warm and if hens are vaccinated you have less of a worry.
3)A few good management practices will help control coccidiosis. Contact your veterinarian for full details.
a)Anticoccidial drugs mixed in the feed are used to limit high levels of infection.
b)Keep chicks, feed and water away from droppings.
c)Roost birds over wire netting if brooding arrangements make this possible.
d)Place water vessels on wire frames to eliminate a concentration of wet droppings, in which the chicks can walk to pick up or spread the disease.
e)Keep litter dry and stirred frequently. Remove wet spots and replace with dry litter.
f)Avoid overcrowding.
g)If coccidiosis does break out, start treatment immediately.
Helpful medications:
1) Coxoid
2) Sulmet in conjunction with tetracycline hydrochloride or used by itself
3) Ionophores
4) Quinolones
I have been speaking to local vets and researching this online since my outbreak. A worker at a farm and feed today mentioned using the Sulmet WITH the Tetracycline Hydrochloride and most vets agreed this is the BEST method of clearing up the coccidiosis.
I hope my research can help others out there with the same issues!
