AN EPIDEMIC OF COCCIDIOSIS IN CHICKENS SOLD IN KEFFI CENTRAL MARKET, NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The epidemics of coccidiosis in chickens were confined to Keffi central market of Nasarawa State. Species of Eimeria occurring in 250 stool sampled were examined using floatation method and 90(36%) were found infected with eight different species of Eimeria. The highest infection was recorded in Eimeria mitis 28(11%) with the least in E. tenella 1(0.0%) among the hybrid breeds of chicken. The different species of Eimeria were present in and among various breeds. In species predominance, shows the level of immunity of various breeds of chicken against the different species of Eimeria, though, there was no significant relevance in the spread of Eimeriasis among the hybrid and local breeds of chicken sold at Keffi central market (χ2=102.40>5.99) at 5% level of significance. However, farmers should ensure adequate safety standards and maintained the relative spread of Eimeria infection of chickens which are detrimental to man