Clinico-Pathological Investigation of Coccidiosis in Naturally Infected Sasso T44 Chickens

Objectives: Investigate the clinical and pathological effects of Coccidiosis in naturally infected Sasso T44 chickens. Clinico-pathological studies are important for accurate diagnosis of coccidiosis. Material and Methods: Exploratory study design was conducted from January 2023 to July 2023. A total of 30 naturally infected chickens were selected from a farm, and Hematological, biochemical, postmortem, parasitological, gross, and histopathological examination were done. Results: When observed, grossly severe hemorrhagic typhlitis, petechial hemorrhage, ballooned intestine, and thickened mucosa in the lower part of the small intestine and cecum were recorded. Histopathological investigations have also shown severe tissue destruction, hemorrhage, huge schizont and merozoite clusters in the tissue, and coccidian oocysts in the epithelium of crypt glands. The ilium villi had atrophied, the mucosa had completely detached, and the end of the rectal submucosa was hemorrhagic and blunt. Hematological findings revealed that it decreased total red blood cell count and packed cell volume. Macrocytic hypochromic anemia was detected. Monocytosis, lymphocytosis, heterophilia, and eosinophilia were discovered. Increased alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase activities, but total protein levels were decreased. Conclusion: This study concluded that Coccidiosis had a detrimental effect on Sasso T44 chickens, which was demonstrated by significant anemia, an increase in leukocyte counts, alteration of serum biochemical parameters, and numerous gross and microscopic abnormalities. Therefore, it is crucial to precisely implement prevention and control methods to reduce the death and loss caused by coccidiosis.