Prevalence of poultry coccidiosis in Jammu region of Jammu & Kashmir State

In this study prevalence of chicken coccidiosis in Jammu division were undertaken in both organized and backyard chickens during the year 2010–2011, with an overall prevalence of 39.58 % on examination of 720 faecal samples. Five Eimeria species were identified viz., E. tenella, E. necatrix, E. maxima, E. acervulina and E. mitis. E. tenella was the predominant species in both organized and unorganized farms. The highest prevalence percentage was found in July, 2011 (68.9 %) and the lowest percentage was found in May, 2011 (12.5 %). Coccidial prevalence was found to be 53.61 % in unorganized (backyard poultry birds) as compared to organized birds (25.55 %). Maximum positive cases of coccidian infection was found in monsoon season (60.55 %) and least in summer season (21.66 %). Birds of age 31–45 days showed more prevalence percentage (58.86 %). Higher oocysts count was recorded from July to September with a peak value (38973.00 ± 3075.6) in July and lowest (12914.00 ± 595.48) in the month of May.