The prevalence and associated risk factors of coccidiosis in indigenous bird population in Namokora sub county, Kitgum district.

Abstract

Coccidiosis, a parasitic disease caused by protozoa of the genus Eimeria, poses a significant threat to poultry farming worldwide and in our country Uganda. This study examined the prevalence and associated risk factors of coccidiosis in local bird populations in the Namokora Sub-County of Kitgum District. The study involved the systematic collection of fecal samples from various households to identify the presence of Eimeria oocysts using floatation method. In addition to the laboratory analysis, a structured questionnaire was administered to local poultry farmers to gather data on management practices, housing conditions, bird age, and vaccination status. 70 pool samples were analyzed in the laboratory and this revealed high prevalence of 70%. The study also pointed out housing, biosecurity, feeding practices and stocking density as the major risk factors associated with this high prevalence of coccidiosis in Namokora Sub County with P=0.0001. The study concluded a high prevalence of coccidiosis in Namokora Sub County and recommended improve housing conditions, nutritional education to farmers, and biosecurity awareness to help mitigate the problem of coccidiosis in the local chicken.