what is coccidiosis

Coccidiosis is a parasitic disease caused by protozoan parasites from the genus Eimeria. The disease spreads from one animal to another by contact with infected feces or ingestion of oocysts. The clinical signs of coccidiosis are due to destruction of the intestinal epithelium and, frequently, the underlying connective tissue of the mucosa. This may be accompanied by hemorrhage into the lumen of the intestine, catarrhal inflammation, and diarrhea. The most common clinical sign of coccidiosis is diarrhea, but most infected animals do not have any clinical signs. However, in young animals and those with weakened immune systems, coccidiosis may cause severe diarrhea, dehydration, abdominal distress, and vomiting. In severe cases, death may occur. Coccidiosis can affect a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, chickens, and cattle. The disease is usually diagnosed by performing a fecal flotation test to look for oocysts under a microscope. Treatment for coccidiosis typically involves medication with sulfa-class antibiotics, such as sulfadimethoxine, for a period of 5-20 days. Good management practices, such as removing feces from the environment as quickly as possible, can also help control the disease.