Prevalence and Risk Factors of Coccidiosis in the Backyard Chickens of Al-Diwaniyah City-Iraq

Introduction: Coccidiosis is one of the most important parasitic diseases of poultry with great economic losses. The loss is mainly due to poor feed conversion and increased mortality. A cross-sectional study was carried out to estimate the prevalence of coccidia and assessment of the associated risk factor in the backyard chickens in different wards of Al-Diwaniyah city of Al-Qadisiyah province in Iraq from 10th July to 20th August 2021. Methods: 395 fecal samples of backyard chicken were collected and transported into the Icebox for the qualitative examination of coccidia. Both direct and floatation techniques were followed for the microscopic examination of coccidian oocysts. MS Excel and R command were used where the association of coccidiosis with age, breed, floor, and housing system was analyzed statistically by a chi-square analysis at 95% confidence interval. Results: An overall prevalence of 37.97% was found. And the prevalence was found to be 42.9% in koiler and 31.8% in local where the differences was statistically significant (chi-square=5.10, P=0.024). It was found to be 41.74%, 44.29%, 24.67%, and 31.48% in 0-3 months, 3-6 months, 6-9 months, and above 9 months respectively. Likewise, prevalence was found to be 50% in free-ranging which was higher than the prevalence in the semi-intensive housing system. There was significant association (P<0.05) between the prevalence with respect to different age and housing systems. Prevalence was 39.94% on the wooden floor which was higher than the cemented floor 27.42%. And it was 35.56% in mixed feed and 39.23% in non-commercial feeding practices. But there was no significant association P>.05 between the prevalence with respect to different floor and feed systems. Conclusion: Coccidiosis remains a prevalent parasitic disease in backyard chickens in Al-Diwaniyah city of Al-Qadisiyah province in Iraq, with an overall prevalence of 37.97%. Significant associations were found with breed, age, and housing systems, emphasizing the need for targeted management practices. Factors such as floor type and feed practices showed no significant impact on prevalence. These findings highlight the importance of adopting improved housing systems and management practices to reduce the burden of coccidiosis in backyard poultry farming.