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Journal of Entomology and Zoology Studies 2020; 8(4): 1248-1250
E-ISSN: 2320-7078
P-ISSN: 2349-6800
www.entomoljournal.com
JEZS 2020; 8(4): 1248-1250
© 2020 JEZS
Received: 16-05-2020
Accepted: 18-06-2020
Asit Chakrabarti
Senior Scientist (LPM),
Farming System Research
Cerntre for Hill and Plateau
Region, ICAR Research Complex
for Eastern Region Plandu
Ranchi, Jharkhand, India
Pankaj Kumar
Senior Scientist (Veterinary
Medicine), ICAR Research
Complex for Eastern Region
ICAR Parisar, PO Bihar
Veterinary College, Patna, Bihar,
India
Corresponding Author:
Asit Chakrabarti
Senior Scientist (LPM),
Farming System Research
Centre for Hill and Plateau
Region, ICAR Research Complex
for Eastern Region Plandu
Ranchi, Jharkhand, India
Coccidiosis in T x D pigs in an organized farm-
case study
Asit Chakrabarti and Pankaj Kumar
Abstract
On a routine observation in an organized farm found that seven T x D piglets of 2 month age with 18 ±
1.14 kg body weights were suffering from watery diarrhoea and little blood in faeces. The symptoms,
clinical findings and faecal sample examination confirmed that the piglets were affected with coccidiosis.
After 5 days treatment with coccidiostat and fluid therapy the piglets were recovered gradually and
started normal feeding on 7
th
day onwards. However, one animal died on 5
th
day. Post-mortem
examination of diseased animal also confirmed presence of Eimeria species in intestine. To develop
immunity colostrum feeding in early age is essential for piglets. The hygiene, sanitation, regular cleaning
and fly control in shed may prevent coccidiosis in pigs.
Keywords: Coccidiosis, pig, T x D breed
Introduction
Diseases in pig are very common where unhygienic management and proper health care is not
adopted. But, in an organized farm where pigs are maintained with proper care and attention
the incidences of disease is very concerning
[6]
. Coccidiosis is one of the most pathogenic
gastrointestinal parasitic diseases caused by the different species of Phylum-Apicomplexa
[3]
.
The disease is more common and wide spread in suckling piglets but is seen occasionally in
growing and finishing pigs and boars when they are moved or housed into continually
populated and infected pens
[30]
. It can be caused by a wide range of infectious, environmental
and management factors. Coccidiosis is a common problem of confined animals kept under
intensive husbandry practices. The disease is characterized by scours, dehydration, rough hair
coat, reduced growth rate, weakness, weight loss etc. According to Davies et al., 1963
[9]
and
Ruprah, 1985
[23]
oocysts of coccidia are passed in feces and may not cause a significant
mortality but can certainly cause a clinical disease or can at least retard the growth of pigs. The
mortality and morbidity is variable and not responsive to most antibacterial therapy. It is
caused by small parasites that multiply inside the host cell mainly in the intestinal tract viz.
Eimeria spp., Isospora suis and Cryptosporidium spp.
[25]
. It is suspected in young pigs
suffering from continuous diarrhoea which does not respond to antibiotic therapy. In early
stage, diarrhoea is the main clinical signs and in later stage consistency of faeces and colour
varies from yellow to grey green or bloody according to the severity of the condition
[8]
.
Environmental factors play a pivotal role in the dissemination and prevalence of coccidia
infections in susceptible animals. It is mostly transmitted by ingestion of contaminated feed
and water with oocysts of coccidia. In piglets, coccidiosis causes poor performance during the
fattening period as well as diarrhoea, and also predisposes the animal to secondary bacterial
and viral infections
[16, 19]
. This is mainly due to disruption of small intestine villi and surface
area which interrupts with normal absorption process of nutrients.
Etiology and Causal agents
Generally, coccidiosis is seen in late summer as well as in winter months in India but, it may
occur throughout the year. The disease is sporadic in nature and usually causes either ‘Summer
Cocciodiosis’ or ‘Winter coccidiosis’. In winter months the disease may occur due to
environmental stress and limitation of host and parasite concentration due to shortage of water
in animal shed
[5]
. Das et al., 2019
[8]
reported that coccidia infections in pigs are common and
prevalent throughout the year in Meghalaya and was corroborated with the findings of Tsunda
et al., 2013
[30]
. Coccidiosis is transmitted by ingestion of sporulated oocysts. Infection is
acquired from contaminated feed, water, and soiled pastures, or by licking a contaminated hair
coat
[12]
. Oocysts are passed out in the faeces into the environment where they sporulate.