ABSTRACT

The study was carried out in Umudike environment to investigate the "outbreak of coccidiosis in poultry farms. The work compared the outbreak of coccidiosis in three (3) farms in Umudike environment. Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Poultry Fann was designated Station A, the National Root Crops Research Institute Poultry farm was designated Station B while a private farm within Umudike was designated Station C. Data stored· from year 2004- 2008 were collected from the three farms for investigation. Faecal droppings from the birds were also collected for laboratory analysis. The study was carried out during the rainy season in the months of June to November, 2009. The commonest parasite affecting the birds that were confined · to the poultry was Eimeria tenella. Among the seven species of Eimeria, it was only E. tenella that was seen. Coccidiosis (poultry disease) however was found only in young birds of 2 to 8 weeks old. It was concluded from this investigation that Eimeria tenella was the most important parasite that causes poultry disease among poultry birds in Umudike and its environs. It was observed that prevalence (42%) of infection was highest among birds within the age of 3- 5 weeks old. The result also showed that the morbidity and mortality rates were highest in MOUAU farm, followed by NRCRI fann than the other private farm. Some recommendations were given to encourage poultry fanners in order to minimize mortality rate among the poultry birds.