Coccidiosis, Intestinal, of Ducks and Geese

Introduction

Young ducks and geese may suffer from Eimeria spp infection. In the goose E. anseris is the most important, while in ducks Tyzzeria perniciosa is most pathogenic. Tyzerria has eight sporocysts in each oocyst, compared to four per oocyst for Eimeria. Coccidiosis occurs only very rarely in commercially reared ducks in the UK.

Signs

• Sudden death.
• Depression.
• Blood-stained vent.
• Tucked appearance.

Post-mortem lesions

• Massive haemorrhage in upper small intestine.

Diagnosis

Signs, lesions, microscopic examination of scrapings (usually few or no oocysts, large number of merozoites). Differentiate from Duck viral hepatitis, Duck viral enteritis, anatipestifer.

Treatment

Sulphonamides (e.g. Sulphadimidine 30-600gm/100 birds/day, 3 days on, 2 days off, 3 days on), Amprolium, Vitamins A and K in feed or water.

Prevention

If required coccidiostats could be used in feed, however this is not routinely practised. Hygiene.