Molecular Investigation of Eimeria Species in Broiler Farms in the Province of Vojvodina, Serbia

Abstract

Coccidiosis is a significant poultry disease caused by the <i>Eimeria</i> species. This study aims to determine the prevalence of <i>Eimeria</i> spp. on broiler farms in Vojvodina, along with the identification of parasite species, and assess the implemented biosecurity measures. The study was conducted on 100 broiler chicken farms (28 small-sized; 34 medium-sized; 38 large-sized farms) from June 2018 to December 2021. One pooled sample of faeces was collected from three to six-week-old chickens from each farm, and assessment of biosecurity measures was carried out using a questionnaire. Using the PCR method, DNA of <i>Eimeria</i> was found in 59 samples (59%), while 41 samples (41%) were negative. Four species of <i>Eimeria</i> were identified, and their prevalence was the following: <i>E. acervulina</i> (37%), <i>E. maxima</i> (17%), <i>E. mitis</i> (25%) and <i>E. tenella</i> (48%). A significant difference (<i>p</i> < 0.05) was established in the number of oocysts in flocks from small-sized farms compared to medium-sized farms. It was found that regular implementation of disinfection, disinsection and deratisation measures, as well as all the biosecurity measures, can significantly reduce the occurrence of coccidiosis. These results will help to develop better strategies for the control and prevention of coccidiosis on farms.