Coccidiosis in cattle and buffalo

• Very scant attention is paid towards coccidiosis of cattle, buffalo, goats and sheep but coccidiosis is of no less importance than other diseases responsible for morbidity and mortality in calves less than one year old.
• Species of coccidian affecting cattle and buffalo are : Eimeria bovis, Eimeria zuemli, Eimeria auburnensis, Eimeria Canadensis, Eimeria bukidnonesis, Eimeria cylindrical, Eimeria alabamensis, Eimeria braziliensis

Incubation period: 10-12 days

Symptoms

• Mild fever in early stage
• Sudden onset of sever foul smelling diarrhoea
• Faeces contain mucous and blood
• Tail & posterior part of the body soiled with blood mixed faeces
• Abdominal pain, rough coat, straining during passing of faeces
• Loss of appetite and weakness in legs
• Adult animals do not show symptom but remain cariers

Prevention & control:

• It is not economical to mix coccidiostats in feed. It is better to use most commonly available anti-coccidials for prevention and treatment. Vitamins & minerals is given in feed or drinking water for 2-3 days as supporting purpose