Coccidiosis

1. Page | 1   
 
Cocc
Deadly
by Susan S
Sheep and
University
sschoen@
Last revis
Coccidio
s
The caus
Coccidia
Coccidia
genus Eim
to infect
pathogen
Coccidia
species o
affect sh
are affec
Life cycl
Coccidia
with man
other int
stage wh
and a pa
intestine
The egg-
sheep an
developm
time req
weather,
organism
                       
cidios
y scourge
Schoenian
d Goat Specia
y of Maryland
umd.edu
ed: 11.8.201
sis is a paras
sative organi
are from th
are sub-cla
meria. With
t sheep or go
nicity. In fac
are host-sp
of coccidia t
heep and goa
cted by diffe
le
have a very
ny stages of
ternal parasi
hich takes pl
rasitic phase
es of the hos
like structu
nd goats. Wh
ment called
uired for de
, the faster
m.
                       

sis
of young
alist
d Extension
1
sitic disease
ism is a mic
he same clas
ssified into
in this genu
oats. Not all
ct, only a fe
ecific, mean
that affect p
ats. Even sh
erent specie
y complicate
developmen
ites, there i
lace outside
e which take
st.
re of coccid
hen first pas
sporulation
evelopment
the develop
                       
I
g lambs a
e affecting a
roscopic, sp
ss of organis
many gener
s, there are
l of the spec
w are usual
ning the
poultry do no
eep and goa
es of coccidi
ed life cycle
nt. As with
s a free-livin
of the anim
es place in t
ia is called
ssed, the ooc
(hatching).
is temperat
pment, unles
                       
Inf
nd kids
a variety of a
pore-forming
sms (sporozo
ra. In sheep
e more than
cies are path
ly responsib
ot
ats
a.
,
ng
mal
the
an oocyte. I
cyst is not in
Sporulation
ure-depende
ss the tempe
                       
fo s
animals, esp
g, single-cel
oa) that caus
and goats, c
ten species
hogenic or h
ble for diseas
It is passed i
nfective. It
n requires ox
ent. In gene
erature is hi
                       
she
pecially mam
l protozoa c
se malaria.
coccidiosis i
of coccidia
have the sam
se outbreak
in the feces
must underg
xygen and m
eral, the war
igh enough t
        Coccidio
eet
mmals and b
called coccid

s caused by
that are kn
me level of
s.
of infected
go a period o
moisture. The
rmer the
to kill the
osis  
t
birds.
dia.
the
own

of
e

2. Page | 2   
 
After spo
killed by
environm
oocyst m
When a s
lining the
host is es
epithelia
Transmis
Lambs an
In a surve
and 4 we
occur sho
Bad weat
outbreak
Almost a
coccidia.
oocytes e
contamin
themselv
animals a
of the pa
reservoir
Coccidios
intensive
sheep an
dry lots.
livestock
in pastur
Clinical s
As with m
with subc
normal, perform
a
subclinic
Clinical c
coccidios
open flee
result of
                       
orulation, th
ordinary dis
mental facto
may survive f
sheep or goa
e small intes
ssentially th
al cells lining
ssion
nd kids betw
ey conducte
eek old lamb
ortly after w
ther may als
ks.
ll sheep and
. Sheep and
each day thr
nated feed a
ves or anoth
are largely i
arasite, but
r of infection
sis is mainly
e production
nd goats are
Fecal mate
k are kept on
re-rearing en
signs
most disease
clinical dise
but suffer fr
ance. Most c
cal coccidios
coccidiosis c
sis is that la
eced. Kids m
mild diarrh
                       
he oocysts ar
sinfectants.
ors which are
for a year or
at ingests a s
stines. The e
hat of intesti
g the gut wh
ween the age
ed in the UK
bs were the
weaning, as
so trigger di
d goats are e
goats routin
rough feces,
and water, o
er animal. M
mmune to t
they serve a
n.
y associated
n systems in
housed in b
rial is more
n pasture. A
nvironments
es, there are
ease do not s
rom reduced
cases of cocc
sis is probab
can be deadl
mbs and kid
may have a r
ea.
                       
re very resis
Extreme de
e detrimenta
r longer if it
sporulated o
entire life c
inal cell des
hich transpo
es of 1 and 6
, 4 to 8 wee
most vulner
this is a very
sease
exposed to
nely ingest
,
or by licking
Mature
the effects
as a
with
which
barns and
concentrate
At the same
s.
e clinical an
show obviou
d feed consu
cidiosis are
ly the most
ly and usual
ds may not b
rough hair co
                       
stant to env
esiccation or
al to sporula
is protected
oocyst, spor
cycle takes a
struction. Th
ort nutrients
6 months are
ek old lambs
rable to clin
y stressful p
g
ed in these p
time, outbre
d sub-clinica
us signs of th
umption, fee
subclinical a
costly.
lly requires p
be thriving a
oats. Dirtine
                       
ironmental
r direct sunl
ated oocysts
d from direc
rozoites are
about 14 day
he host cells
and fluids i
e most com
s were the m
ical disease
period in the
production e
eaks of cocc
al forms of c
he disease. T
ed conversio
and from an
prompt trea
as well as ex
ess around t
                       
conditions a
light are the
s. In fact, a
ct sunlight.
released an
ys. The dam
s affected m
nto the bod
monly affec
most likely to
. Many disea
e lamb or kid
environment
cidiosis are n
coccidiosis.
They appear
on, and grow
n economic s
atment. The
xpected. Lam
the tail may
        Coccidio
and cannot b
e only
sporulated
d enter the
age done to
most often ar
dy.
cted by cocc
o be affecte
ase outbreak
d's young life
ts than if th
not uncomm
Sheep and g
r outwardly
wth
stand point,
first sign of
mbs may app
be observed
osis  
be
cells
o the
re
cidia.
ed
ks
e.
e
mon
goats

f
pear
d, a

3. Page | 3   
 
Soon, lam
kids may
lambs an
dehydrat
Diagnosi
Diagnosis
usually d
considere
addition,
Therefor
indicativ
There ar
worms, o
infection
Treatme
For shee
options (
anthelmi
Amproliu
sold in liq
coccidia
medicati
with the
The med veterina
r
must und
it can be
                       
mbs and kids
y become an
nd kids may
tion and dea
s
s of clinical
diarrhea. Fec
ed clinically
, lambs and
re, a negativ
ve of disease
e many othe
overeating d
ns. Parasitize
ent
p and goats
(in the U.S.)
intics (dewo
um (Corid®)
quid or pow
infection. F
ion. Severely
medication
ications use
rian may pre
derstand tha
e used legall
                       
s begin to lo
emic and st
experience
ath.
coccidiosis
cal testing h
y significant,
kids may be
ve fecal test
e.
er disease co
disease, salm
ed lambs an
exhibiting c
, including s
ormers) have
can be used
wder form. W
deficiency
polioencep
effect of tr
Many sulfan
medication
bitter tasti
to reduce t
animals.
Whenever m
that the me
limitations
animal will
particularly
For this reaso
y parasitized
, and receiv
ed to treat c
escribe the
at just becau
y without th
                       
ose their app
rain to pass
severe diarr
is based on
has limited d
, not all coc
ecome clinic
t does not ru
onditions th
monellosis, E
d kids may s
clinical signs
sulfa drugs,
e no effect o
d as both a t
When coccidi
and die from
phalomalacia
reatment wi
namide med
ns are sold in
ng, so produ
the bitter ta
medications
edicated wa
of water tre
l receive the
y true of an
on, it is usu
d animals sh
ve necessary
coccidiosis a
“extra-label
use a produc
he consent o
                       
petite and b
feces. As th
rhea, with s
flock history
diagnostic va
ccidia are dis
cally-parasit
ule out cocc
at cause sym
E. coli scour
suffer from
s of coccidio
tetracycline
on coccidios
treatment a
ia ingest Co
m malnouris
a (thiamine d
ith amproliu
dications can
n liquid or p
ucts may inc
aste and pro
s are admini
ater be the o
eatments is
e necessary
animal that
ally better t
hould be pen
y supportive
re not FDA-a
l” use of a d
ct can be pu
of a veterina
                       
become wea
he disease c
treaks of blo
y and observ
alue. While
sease-causin
ized before
idiosis, anym
mptoms simi
rs, crptospor
mixed paras
osis, there a
es, and amp
is.
and preventa
rid®, they e
shment. Tho
deficiency)
um.
n be used to
powder form
clude flavori
mote adequ
stered in th
only source
that there i
amount of t
t may alread
to individua
nned separa
treatment.
approved fo
drug to treat
urchased ove
arian.
                       
k and unthr
condition wo
ood, followe
vation of cli
a oocyst cou
ng or equally
shedding an
more than a
ilar to cocci
rididium, an
sitic infectio
re several t
prolium. Con
ative for coc
experience a
ough rare,
has been re
o treat cocci
. Sulfa med
ing, or jello
uate consum
e water, it i
of water. O
is no guaran
the medicati
dy be feeling
l treat each
tely, drench

or use in she
t coccidiosis
er-the-count
        Coccidio
ifty. Lambs
orsens, affec
ed by severe
nical signs,
unt of 5,000
y pathogenic
ny oocytes.
a positive tes
idiosis: para
nd viral
ons.
reatment
nventional
ccidiosis. It i
a thiamine
eported as a
idiosis. Sulfa
ication can
can be add
mption by the
is important
ne of the
ntee that eve
ion. This is
g poorly due
animal with
hed individu
ep and goat
s. Producers
ter doesn't m
osis  
and
cted
e

0 is
c. In

st is
sitic
is
side
a
be
ed
e
t
ery
e to
h the
ally
ts. A

mean

4. Page | 4   
 
Dr
Amprolium
Sulfadime
Sample do
Research
efficacy
research
higher d
o
Preventi
As with m
clinical s
that surv
always la
chronic p
There ar
minimize
Managem
oral tran
hygiene a
clean and
cleaned
Pens sho
well-bed
of a pen
.
outside o
clean and
Good nut
Balanced
will prov
An adequ
Washing
limit infe
                       
rug
m C o
ethoxine
Al
Di
osages are from t
hers at North
of amproliu
ers conclude
oses of the d
ion
most other d
signs have be
vive a clinica
ack the capa
poor-doers i
e many man
e the effects
ment should
smission of
are essentia
d dry. Lamb
between litt
uld not be o
ded. No fee
. Feeders sh
of the pen. W
d free from
trition is ess
d rations, wi
vide immunit
uate intake
and drying t
ection.
                       
Medication
Trade
name(s)
orid®
1
ga
1
w
lbon
i-Methox
1
ga
4
bo
the fact sheet C
h Carolina St
m in goat ki
ed that amp
drug should
diseases, it i
een observe
al infection
acity to effic
n the flock.
nagement te
s of subclinic
be aimed at
the pathoge
al. Maternity
bing and kidd
ters.
overcrowded
ed should be
ould be elev
Water recep
fecal matte
sential to ma
ith proper vi
ty to coccidi
of colostrum
the females
                       
ns for treatin
D
pint of 9.6%
allons of drin
oz (3 oz 9.6%
water) per 100
pint of 12.5%
allons of drin
cc of 12.5% s
ody weight da
occidiosis in Lam
tate Univers
ids heavily i
prolium can
be given (50
is far better
ed, much of
may never r
ciently hand

echniques th
cal coccidio
t reducing t
en. Good san
y areas shou
ding jugs sho
d. They shou
e fed on the
vated or loc
ptacles shou
er.
aintaining h
itamin and m
iosis for the
m will help l
udder befo
                       
ng coccidiosis
Dosage
Dilution
solution in 10
king water
% solution in 1
0 lbs. daily
% solution in 2
king water
solution per 2
aily
mbs by Dr. Joe R
sity recently
nfected with
be an effect
0 vs. 10 mg/
r to prevent
the damage
recover from
dle feed and
hat can help
osis.
he fecal-to-
nitation and
ld be kept
ould be
uld be dry an
ground or fl
cated on the
ld be kept
igh levels of
mineral supp
e first severa
ambs and ki
re colostrum
                       
s in sheep
e
Du
00
5
1 pint of
5
25
3
25 lbs. of
3
ook, Michigan St
y conducted
h pathogeni
tive treatme
/kg).
coccidiosis
e has already
m the perfor
fluids. Cocc
to prevent

nd
loor
e
f immunity i
plementatio
al weeks of t
ids cope wit
m consumpti
                       
M
wituration
5 days
7 to
5 days
-5 days
-5 days
tate University.
a trial to de
c Eimeria sp
ent for goat
than to trea
y occurred.
rmance set-b
cidiosis may
outbreaks o
in the flock
on, should be
the neonate
th coccidial
ion may furt
        Coccidio
Meat
hdrawal
o 21 days
1 day
etermine th
pp. The
s, but that
at it. By the
Lambs and k
back. They m
y be the cau
of coccidiosis
or herd.
e fed. Colos
e's life.
infection.
ther help to
osis  
e
time
kids
may
se of
s and
trum

5. Page | 5   
 
It is best
animals f
infection
Stress is
handled stress at

kids shou
reduce th
The ratio
following
feed or w
Coccidio
There ar Bovatec
®
period, f
Many pro
practice
included
coccidios
Adequate
especiall
also be a
consisten
should ne
good ma
Coccidios
As with c

                       
not to mix
follow older
n.
another con
minimally a
weaning. Fe
uld remain in
he stress at
on of weanli
g weaning. W
water for ve
ostats
e several fe
® (lasalocid)
for at least 2
oducers feed
will help to
in creep fee
stat at least
e consumpti
ly true if the
a problem if
nt or adequa
ever be cons
nagement a
stats should
conventiona
                       
batches of y
r animals in
ntributing fa
nd handled
emales shou
n familiar su
weaning.
ngs should n
When lambs
ry long.
ed additives
) is FDA-app
21 days befo
d a coccidios
o lower the l
eds and milk
t 21 days pri
ion is a limit
e coccidiosta
the coccidio
ate, especia
sidered a "c
nd sanitatio
be used str
l anthelmint

                       
young anima
a grazing ro
actor to outb
calmly and
uld be weane
urroundings
not be chang
and kids are
s that can b
roved for co
approved
approved
Rumensin
toxic to s
use a fee
Feed mill
Coccidios
they do n
down the
this reaso
ore they are
stat to ewes
evel of envi
k replacers.
or to weanin
tation to the
at is being d
ostat is inclu
ally with you
ure-all" for c
on.
rategically. T
tics (deworm
                       
als with batc
otation. Olde
breaks of co
gently. It is
ed from the
and in the s
ged drastica
e to be tran
e used to pr
onfined shee
d for confine
d for young,
n® can be to
sheep and go
ed mill to mi
ls have a mu
stats differ f
not kill the c
e shedding o
on, they nee
effective.
s and does d
ironmental c
Lambs and
ng.
e effectiven
delivered in
uded in the
ung lambs an
coccidiosis.
They should
mers), resist
                       
ches of olde
er animals se
ccidiosis. Sh
particularly
ir offspring,
same groupi
ally for the t
nsported, the
revent cocci
ep. Rumensi
ed goats. De
non-lactatin
oxic to dogs
oats if it is n
x any feed c
uch greater
from treatm
coccidial org
f coccidia in
ed to be fed

during the la
contaminati
kids reared
ess of all co
a free choic
feed, as fee
nd kids. For
Their use n
d not be fed
tance may d
                       
er animals or
erve as rese
heep and go
y important
, not vice ve
ngs. Fence l
two weeks p
ey should no
idiosis in she
n® (monens
ccox® (deco
ng sheep and
and equines
not mixed pr
containing a
margin for m
ment medicat
ganisms. Inst
nto the envi
well in adv
ate gestation
on. Coccidio
on pasture
occidiostats.
ce mineral o
ed consumpt
this reason,
eeds to be c
year-round
evelop with
        Coccidio
r to have yo
ervoirs of
ats should b
to minimize
ersa. Lambs
line contact
preceding or
ot go withou
eep and goa
sin) is FDA-
oquinate) is
d goats.
s. It can also
roperly. Alw
a coccidiosta
mixing error
tions in that
tead they sl
ronment. Fo
ance of the
n period. Th
ostats should
should be fe
This is
or lick, but i
tion may no
coccidiosta
combined w
to all anima
h continuous
osis  
ung
be
e
and
t may
r
ut
ts.
FDA-
o be
ways
at.
r.
t
ow
or
risk
is
d be
ed a
t can
t be
ats
ith
als.
s use.

6. Page | 6                                                                                                                                                     Coccidiosis  
 
Feed and water additives for preventing coccidiosis in sheep and goats
Tradename Drug
Dosage
FDA approval
Per hd/day In feed
Bovatec® Lasalosid 15 to 70 mg/d 20-30 g/ton Sheep in confinement
Corid® Amprolium
8 oz of a 9.6% solution per 100 gallons
of drinking water for 21 days
Rx only
1 oz (1.5 oz of 9.6% solution in 1 pint of
water) per 100 lbs. daily for 21 days
Deccox® Decoquinate 22.7 mg/100 lbs BW 13.6 g/ton
Young, non-lactating
sheep and goats
Rumensin® Monensin ... 20 g/ton
Goats in confinement
TOXIC to equines
Sample dosages for Corid are from Coccidiosis in Lambs by Dr. Joe Rook, Michigan State University
Coccidiostats have no meat withdrawal period and their use is permitted under USDA's
Naturally-Raised and Grass-fed standards. For producers looking for an organic option, there
is some evidence to suggest that oregano oil can be used to prevent and treat coccidiosis in
livestock and poultry. It has a similar mode of action as ionophores.