‘Cracking the code’ for better cocci control
Poultry veterinarians and producers know the importance of managing coccidiosis and its two major species — Eimeria maxima and Eimeria tenella. If left unchecked, they can compromise gut health, feed conversion and flock performance. What many don’t realize is that the so-called minor species of coccidia can undermine control efforts, too.
“Coccidiosis is a challenge that has been with us for a long time,” says Steve Fitz-Coy, PhD, a leading poultry parasitologist at Merck Animal Health who has devoted much of his career to coccidiosis research.
“Our research and testing show we have done a good job of addressing the primary threats, E. maxima and E. tenella. However, we have learned that Eimeria mivati and other minor species also deserve our attention to more fully reduce performance losses.”