Investigation of Eimeria Species in Chicken: Coprological Prevalence, Gross Pathological Lesion and Pathoanatomical Species Identification in South Gondar Zone, Ethiopia.

Purpose: Eimeria species are a prevalent coccidian parasite impacting chicken production, leading to substantial economic losses in Ethiopia's poultry sector. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of Eimeria species, assess associated risk factors, and identify prevalent Eimeria species and gross lesions.

Methods: Thus, a cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2023 to May 2024 in the South Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia. 516 chickens were randomly selected and examined for coccidian oocysts using the flotation technique. Patho-anatomical examinations were performed on 60 positive chickens to identify the various Eimeria species of chicken further. Binary logistic regression was utilized to calculate the odds ratios for associated risk factors.

Results: The overall prevalence of chicken coccidiosis in this study was 20.3% (105/516). Age (AOR = 0.46, P = 0.001) and breed (AOR = 1.73, P = 0.023) were found to be significantly associated with the occurrence of coccidiosis (P < 0.05). However, no statistically significant associations were observed with sex, study area, or management practices (P > 0.05), although the management system was considered a confounding factor. The most important identified Eimeria species were E. tenella (21.95%), E. brunetti (19.51%), E. acervulina (17.07%), E. necatrix (14.63%), and E. maxima (4.88%).

Conclusion: These findings indicated that Eimeria-caused coccidiosis is a growing challenge to poultry production in South Gondar, highlighting the need for targeted control measures and improved management practices.