Microscopy-Based Detection and Characterization of Eimeria Oocyst Shedding in Chickens (Gallus domesticus) across Diverse Poultry Production Systems in Yobe State, Nigeria

Jallailudeen Rabana LAWAL1, Halima Mshelia PINDAR2, Hussaini Usman DURKWA3, Abubakar
Abba KAKA1, Adamu Maina UMAR1, Yusuf Hamid MUKTAR1, Umar Isa IBRAHIM1, Abdullahi Abubakar BIU2

1Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.
2Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.
3Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Jos, P.M.B. 2084, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.

*Corresponding author’s Email: rabana4real@unimaid.edu.ng, doi.org/10.55639/607.02010066


ABSTRACT

Coccidiosis caused by Eimeria spp. remains a major constraint to poultry production worldwide, yet epidemiological data from northeastern Nigeria remain scarce. This study investigated the prevalence, intensity, and species composition of Eimeria oocyst shedding in chickens across different production systems in Yobe State, Nigeria, between September 2022 and October 2023. A total of 1,400 fecal and intestinal content samples were collected from backyard flocks, commercial farms, and live-bird markets in four Local Government Areas (Damaturu, Fika, Fune, and Potiskum) and were examined using flotation and McMaster techniques. Microscopic examination revealed an overall prevalence of 37.2% (95% CI: 34.7–39.8) with most infections of low to moderate intensity, although a smaller proportion of birds carried heavy oocyst burdens. Seasonal variation was evident, with higher (p < 0.0001) prevalence and shedding during the rainy (22.7%) season compared to the dry (14.5%) season. Infection distribution varied across locations, with Potiskum (10.4%) recording the highest prevalence while Fika had the lowest infection rate (8.2%). Infection rates also differed (p = 0.0003) across production settings, with birds sampled from live-bird markets (43.3%) and backyard (37.9%) flocks carrying heavier burdens than those from commercial farms (30.4%). Younger chickens (p < 0.0001) were more frequently infected than adults, while sex had no (p = 0.2213) significant effect. Morphological characterization identified five Eimeria species, with E. tenella and E. acervulina predominating, often occurring in mixed infections. These findings provide updated epidemiological evidence of the endemicity of poultry coccidiosis in Yobe State, this emphasize the need for targeted, context-specific control strategies to reduce the economic impact of coccidiosis in Nigerian poultry systems.

Keywords:

Coccidiosis,
Eimeria spp,
Gallus domesticus,
Microscopy.