Coccidiosis: Life Cycle, Related Diseases, Prevention and Treatment

Coccidiosis is a parasitic disease caused by coccidia, a microscopic organism. This parasite affects the intestinal tract. This disease is spread through fecal contact from one animal to another. Coccidia are small protozoans. Coccidiosis prevention involves learning about the life cycle and then eradicating this parasite from all food sources.

Coccidiosis Life Cycle

Certain types of this parasite have life cycles outside of the host as well as within the host. For example, a bovine coccidia has its developmental stages in the cow and this results in an oocyst, which is a microscopic egg, which is then passed out in the cow's manure. Given the proper conditions, including moisture, oxygen and temperature, the microscopic egg will take about three to seven days to develop. Once developed, it is able to infect other cows.

When a cell is invaded by a sporozoite, it morphs into a meront and then divides several times, which results in the production of offspring. Up to 100,000 merozoites can be produced. The species of coccidia involved will determine the amount of offspring produced. Each offspring then invades another intestinal cell. This cycle is repeated over and over. Due to the multiplication of parasite stages, the destruction of intestinal cells is immense.

Eventually, sex cells are produced and the cycle stops. An oocyst is produced once the male fertilizes the female, then the oocyst ruptures from the intestinal cell. Once this occurs, it is passed in the manure.

Diseases Related to Ingestion of Coccidiosis

How many oocysts are consumed, the animals age, species of coccidia present and if the animal has an immunity to this parasite determines the disease severity. Infected animals may experience bloody stool, weight loss, loss of appetite, dehydration and depression. Death is also possible. Even an infection that does not cause symptoms can affect the animal's growth.

Preventing the Spread of Coccidiosis

Prevention involves developing and using parasite control programs. It is important to ensure fecal matter does not get into feed and drinking water. Sleeping quarters must be dry and clean. If an animal is found to be infected, that animal must be isolated from the rest of the animals and then treated. Preventing animals, specifically those most often used as food by humans, from becoming infected with this parasite is critical in coccidiosis food safety.

Treating Animals Infected with Coccidiosis

There are several different anticoccidial medications that a veterinarian can administer to treat this parasitic infection. If a mass outbreak occurs, a veterinarian can do a mass medication dose for water toughs or feeders. During treatment, all prevention guidelines stated above should also be followed to treat, cure, and prevent further spreading of this infection.

Resources

Coccidiosis

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