Coccidiosis prevalence and intensity in litter-based high stocking density layer rearing system of Benin 

The prevalence and intensity of coccidiosis in litter-based high stocking density exotic layer rearing system was investigated in a cross-sectional observational study in rainy and dry seasons in Benin. A total of 81 farms with 120 flocks (young and adult) were surveyed. The collected data included flock size, season, bird age category, and fecal samples for further laboratory investigation. The results showed a prevalence of 28.2% for young birds and 40.7% for adult birds. The prevalence in rainy season was 39.30% and in dry season 33.8%, giving an overall coccidiosis prevalence of 36.6%. The disease when it occurred was more severe in young birds in a proportion of 66.6% significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that observed in adult bird category (9%) which experienced rather, the sub-clinical form of the infection in a proportion of 81.8%. The current study gave the proof of the endemicity of coccidiosis in this rearing system and the higher rate of the subclinical form of the disease in adult birds.