14/10/2025
Coccidiosis (Chitosi)
Coccidiosis in Chickens is one of the most common diseases in backyard and commercial poultry flocks around the world. This parasitic infection can spread fast and be deadly if left untreated in chickens. By understanding the causes, symptoms and treatment of coccidiosis, you can take proactive steps to protect your flock. This guide will go into detail on coccidiosis and how to manage it.
What is coccidiosis in chickens?
Coccidiosis is a parasitic disease caused by microscopic organisms called coccidia. These parasites invade the lining of the chicken’s intestines causing inflammation, poor nutrient absorption and sometimes fatal complications. Coccidiosis is most dangerous for young chickens who have no immunity but it can also affect adult birds under stress or in unsanitary conditions.
What causes Coccidiosis?
Protozoan called Eimeria (coccidia).
Wet litter and the hot temperatures especially during the rainy season provide good breeding ground for coccidiosis to arise.
Symptoms of Coccidiosis
Early detection is key to treatment. Look for:
Bloody or watery p**p, Coccidiosis usually affects the bird’s intestines causing some bleeding characterised by orange to red colour in the droppings which may also be frothy and contain mucous.
Lack of appetite
Decreased growth rate
Lethargy and weakness, The bird will be less active and often goes off on their own and appears hunched up with ruffled feathers.
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Pale combs and wattles
Huddling or puffing up for warmth
Visibly sick birds
Severe diarrhoea
High mortality
Decreased egg production incase of layers.
POINT TO NOTE: Not all infected birds will have bloody p**p so
watch for subtle behavioral changes and other symptoms.
Preventing Coccidiosis
Prevention is the best way to control coccidiosis. Good management can reduce the risk of outbreak and spread of the disease. Here are the key prevention measures:
Basic hygiene.
Following vaccination schedule.
Always ensure that the poultry house is generally clean and dry.
Construct a generous roof overhang over the entrance and sides of pens to prevent rainwater from getting into the pen whenever it rains.
Always ensure water is clean and fresh.
The feeding areas should be clean and dry all the time.
Rotate area where chickens are kept.
Avoid overcrowding by having enough space per bird, with a general recommendation of 10–12 adult birds per square meter.
Anticoccidial medication should be given to the chicks at around 12 days of age
An all-in all-out method should be employed on the farm in order to prevent a horizontal transfer of infection. If this method is not feasible, keep the new batch quarantined for a minimum of two weeks, for the protection of the current stock.
Practice proper biosecurity,foot dip at the entrances of the fowl runs and minimising traffic fowl run.
Treating Coccidiosis
If your flock has coccidiosis, act fast to minimize damage. Treatment usually involves anticoccidial medication and supportive care. All the birds need to be treated.
The litter needs to be changed so that birds do not pick up the disease again from the droppings of affected birds.
Use sulphur-based drugs such as Sulfacox, Esb3, Amprolium, Coxoid, Toltrazuril, Sulfaquinoxaline and Bremamed.
Natural herbs can also do the trick. Foe example, putting crushed aloe vera (gavakava), mutiti bark in drinking water for the chicken.
Did you find this guide helpful? Lets discuss in the comment section.
