The recent research study's findings show that the months of August and September, which were shown to have higher levels of humidity and precipitation than the other months of the year, also had higher rates of coccidiosis. This was seen notwithstanding the fact that these months exhibited elevated levels of humidity and precipitation compared to the remaining months of the year. Despite the observation that certain months exhibited a comparable duration between rainfall and humidity as the remaining months within the annual cycle, this phenomenon persisted. This phenomenon persisted despite the discovery that certain months exhibited higher average levels of humidity and precipitation compared to other months throughout the year. Following the preceding months, the months of June and July witnessed a decrease in the occurrence of coccidiosis compared to their preceding counterparts. The visual representation of the results discussed in this section is illustrated in Fig. 5 of this paper, which is provided for reference here. In comparison to the amounts of humidity observed during other periods, the average humidity between September and August at the research site is notably higher. The investigation for the study was conducted throughout this specific time frame. The successful completion of the sporulation process by Eimeria oocysts is contingent upon the presence of a higher overall moisture content in the surrounding environment. Based on the research conducted by Amin et al. (2014) and Bachaya et al. (2015), it was found that the district of Muzaffargarh and the city of Abbottabad experienced the highest prevalence of coccidial diseases during the months of August and September, respectively. The findings were disseminated through scholarly publications authored by Amin et al. (2014) and Bachaya et al. (2015). In both locations, this was the prevailing circumstance.
Table 3 Bold higher Eimeria oocysts count signifies with recorded peak value in the month of August (42.80 ± 32.61) and lowest value in the month of June (28.96 ± 8.45) and significantly have difference (P < 0.05).
These findings were presented in the articles authored by Amin et al. (2014) and Bachaya et al. (2015), both of which were published in scholarly journals. According to Ahad et al. (2015), the months of the year that are hot and humid are the ones that are most suitable for the growth and dispersion of oocysts because the climate circumstances are optimal for their development. This is because the conditions encourage the formation of oocysts in the months that are hot and humid. This helps to explain why the disease was so much more widespread during those specific months. According to the conclusions of a study that was conducted by Khursheed et al. (2022), the characteristics of temperature, humidity, and rainfall are the most essential elements in establishing the topography and climate of a region. The chance of disease outbreaks happening in the region is influenced in some way by both factors. The year 2022 has been selected as the period during which this study would be conducted.
The prevalence of coccidia infection is thought to be most strongly influenced by age. The disease was more prevalent and dominated in the age group of 22–42 days old broilers chickens (78.81%) and less prevalent in age group of 1–21 days old broilers 17.63%. Coccidiosis prevalence was higher with the age of the broilers. Broilers with the age of 22–42 days old showed the highest prevalence of coccidiosis infection with significant difference (p < 0.05) in Fig. 6. All ages of the broilers were shown to be susceptible to coccidiosis infection (Sharma et al., 2015). According to the research study, however younger chickens are more likely to be susceptible than older chicken (Omer et al., 2011; Wondimu et al., 2019). The highest prevalence was found in 22–42 days old chickens in a research study. It might be due to more numbers of Eimeria oocysts present in litters of poultry. The increased occurrence of the infection may be due to the birds' advancing age, which prevents them from developing immunity to coccidiosis. In contrast, broilers between the ages of 0 and 15 days were protected by maternal immunity. Younger age broilers have low immune response and higher stocking density, they are more likely to be susceptible to coccidial infection (Nnadi & George, 2010). Numerous researchers have found similar high prevalence findings of coccidiosis in broilers between the ages of 22 and 42 days are (Kumar et al., 2014; Nematollahi et al., 2009).
Table 4: Show prevalence of coccidiosis in suspected broilers in different age groups.
There have been documented instances of mortality and morbidity resulting from coccidiosis infection in broiler chickens of different age groups that are believed to be afflicted with the disease (refer to Table 5). The etiology of the sickness is hypothesized to be attributed to the virus. A correlation exists between these diseases and coccidiosis. Upon doing a comparative analysis of morbidity and mortality rates, it was observed that the mortality rates significantly exceeded the morbidity rates. The disease's economic ramifications are partially shaped by coccidiosis, a contributing cause to the onset of illness. One of the contributing elements to the disease's economic significance is its association with elevated rates of mortality and morbidity among juvenile poultry. The being possesses the capacity for manipulation. Alongside a decline in production, which accounts for the overall decrease, these rates serve as a contributing factor leading to a reduction in the use of feed and water. The reduction is accountable for the overall decrease.
Table 5
Mortality and Morbidity due to coccidiosis in suspected broilers in different age groups
Age (in days)
|
Infected Samples
|
Flock Size
|
Mortality
|
Mortality %
|
Morbidity
|
Morbidity %
|
Means ± SD
|
P value
|
1–7
|
3
|
8,500
|
645
|
7.58%
|
4,800
|
56.57%
|
2335.358 ± 3549.251
|
0.001
|
8–14
|
4
|
7,500
|
644
|
8.58%
|
2,670
|
35.61%
|
1810.365 ± 2970.874
|
|
15–21
|
8
|
29,700
|
3,335
|
11.22%
|
12,000
|
40.40%
|
7515.770 ± 11817.726
|
|
22–28
|
23
|
32,900
|
14,192
|
43.13%
|
24,150
|
73.40%
|
11896.922 ± 14267.674
|
|
29–35
|
25
|
55,600
|
20,890
|
37.57%
|
38,400
|
69.06%
|
19170.272 ± 23653.004
|
|
36–42
|
19
|
28,500
|
11,579
|
40.62%
|
18,380
|
64.49%
|
9763.852 ± 11934.463
|
|
43–49
|
3
|
6,700
|
900
|
13.43%
|
1,250
|
18.65%
|
1480.847 ± 2611.727
|
|
Based on shapes of Eimeria oocysts, numbers of oocysts and locations of infection of coccidiosis with Eimeria oocysts in intestines, five species of Eimeria were identified in district Abbottabad (Table 6). The percentage of infection of coccidiosis with E. tenella in broilers was observed higher. The most prevalent and dominated Eimeria species was E. tenella which causes caecal coccidiosis. Research findings are partially in line with (Awais et al., 2012; Ayaz et al., 2003; Hamidinejat et al., 2010), they also recorded E. tenella highest prevalence in broilers. Five Eimeria species are find in research, they are prevalent in worldwide to cause coccidial infections in broilers chicken, these results agree with reports from Argentina (Olmos et al., 2020); Tunisia (Kaboudi et al., 2016); Nigeria (Lawal et al., 2016) and Jordan (Al-Natour et al., 2002).
Table 6: Show identified Eimeria species prevalence percentage in coccidiosis affected broilers in District Abbottabad.
In this research, an extremely high value of prevalence was observed and documented. This may be the result of a substandard management system in broiler chicken farms, as described by Gharekhani et al. (2014). This system may allow for things like the leakage of water, the accumulation of excrement and poultry waste, poor hygiene practices, a low ventilation system, and the rearing of different age groups of broilers in the same shade at high stocking densities. In this investigation, a high prevalence was observed and documented. This may be the result of an ineffective management system in broiler poultry farms, which may, for example, cause water to escape. During this inquiry, a prevalence that was high was found and recorded. The method of management that is utilized in broiler poultry farms is one of the major factors that contributes to the propagation of eimeriosis. Because there are no hygienic safeguards in place at chicken farms to prevent the introduction of viruses by workers or guests, the latter are unintentionally transferring oocysts in their personal things, including their shoes, clothing, and automobiles. This is because there are no hygienic precautions in place at poultry farms to prevent the introduction of viruses by workers or guests. The overwhelming majority of farmers start their own chicken businesses by growing broilers, but they do so without having any prior experience or having a fundamental understanding of how to take preventative health measures. The development of Eimeria oocyst was aided by inefficient management practices, such as not cleaning the floor or poultry litter. This helped to the spread of the parasite. Because of this, the infectious agent was able to spread across the entire institution. It is exceedingly difficult to keep hens free of coccidian, especially with the intensive raising practices that are currently in place (Shirley et al., 2005; Carvalho et al., 2011). Keeping hens free of coccidian is very demanding (Shirley and colleagues, 2005; Carvalho and colleagues, 2011). Another aspect that leads to the widespread distribution of Eimeria oocyst is the absence of any strategies for controlling pests. On top of that, broilers have an extremely high reproductive potential, which makes it very challenging to ensure that chickens are clear of coccidian. Because of this, completing the assignment will be extremely difficult. According to the findings of the study, the incidence of the disease was much greater on farms where the litter was damp as compared to farms where the litter was dry. The sporulation of oocysts is an uncomplicated and uncomplicated process in poultry litter. However, they are subject to damage from the existing bacteria, other diseases, and ammonia. In addition, their viability may begin to diminish after three weeks have passed (Williams, 2005). According to Al-Natour et al. (2002), improper management, which includes damp poultry litter that promotes the sporulation of Eimeria oocysts, contaminated feeders and drinkers, inadequate ventilation, and excessive stocking densities of broilers, might make the clinical signs worse. Incorrect management practices include keeping an excessive number of broilers in each space, which can result in higher rates of mortality. Care that is not appropriate may also make it more difficult to recognize the disease, which may further exacerbate the issue.