Epidemiological Investigation of Eimeria Species and Effectiveness of Togolese Medicinal Plants Used Against Chicken Coccidiosis

Eimeria species cause coccidiosis, a poultry disease that occurs worldwide. Infection is linked to decreased feed efficiency and body weight increase. The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of coccidian species in Togolese poultry farms and evaluate the anticoccidial efficacy of three local medicinal plants. From July to September 2023, two hundred and ninety-five fecal samples were randomly collected using a cross-sectional observational study in the maritime region of Togo, specifically in Vo, Lacs, Zio, and Grand-Lomé districts. Data on risk factors were collected through an interview with the poultry farmers. All fecal samples collected were subjected to Eimeria oocyst counting using the standard McMaster technique. The anticoccidial activity of the extract of Azadirachta indica leaves Carica papaya seeds, and Sarcocephalus latifolius roots in a completely randomized design was evaluated on 23-day-old male Isa brown chicks infected with 30.104 oocysts. Body weight gain, feed efficiency, lesion score, proportion of bloody droppings, anticoccidial index, and excretion of coccidia oocysts were assessed. The results revealed an overall prevalence of 39.66% (117/295) for coccidiosis, with 75% of positive samples having fewer than 10,000 oocysts/g. The logistic regression test indicated that the interval between two anticoccidial prophylaxis applications, age, management, and breed were significant risk factors associated with coccidial infection, with young chicks (≤ 8 weeks) being 5.66 times more susceptible than those older ones (8 weeks) with 0.86 as an odd ratio. Six Eimeria species were identified, with E. maxima (54.17%), E. brunetti (33.33%), and E. tenella (25%) being the most common. The anticoccidial efficacy of Azadirachta indica leaves, Carica papaya seeds Sarcocephalus latifolius roots extract, and amprolium was demonstrated by a reduction in lesion scores, bloody diarrhea, and oocysts per gram in feces (OPG) as well as an improvement in body weight, feed conversion ratio, and production efficiency factor when compared to infected and untreated groups. The anticoccidial index was marked in the chickens treated with Sarcocephalus latifolius roots extract (170) and amprolium (176). The findings of this large-scale epidemiological study and anticoccidial efficacy tests revealed that these Togolese medicinal plants can be sustainable and cost-effective strategies for coccidiosis control.